#i was jumping up and down with my SpongeBob mug in hand

[fag3t]

me because i apparently “threw a tism fit” because i didn’t wanna go on the boat and gideon kupka hadn’t posted all day

[tarosin]

The great adventures of y/n, Tommy, Jack and Tubbo

Requested:yes/no

Pairing: Platonic jack/tommy/tubbo/reader

Summary: another day another adventure

Content warning: cursing / I didn't proof read

An: reader has bright unnatural hair I wrote a lot, I can't figure out how to add read more on mobile I'm sorry

The music you were currently listening to was interrupted by the discord group notifying you that you have a new message.

Tommy: Y/N HOW BUSY ARE YOU TUBBO HAS COME TO VISIT AND JACK IS HERE

y/n: I mean I've currently got hair dye on but it’s being washed off and dried in around 20 minutes, why?

y/n: WAIT TUBBO?!?!

tubbo: oh yeah I forgot to tell you

y/n: how did you forget you know what nevermind, I’m glad you’re here :]

jack: we should be here in an hour so you have plenty of time to get ready

tubbo: what colour dye y/n

y/n: you’ll see soon enough as apparently, you’re all showing up at my house

Tommy: I suggest you wear comfortable shoes

y/n: I am terrified

Tommy: you have nothing to fear... for now

•••

luckily it had only taken you just over 40 minutes to get ready giving you roughly 20 minutes to prepare for the adventure ahead. or so you thought, as soon as you sat down ready to check your phone the sound of Tommy and tubbo laughing could be heard from your room, jack sent a message “hey we got here extremely early I’m sorry there’s no rush the others have been distracted by dreams music :)”

grabbing a backpack from next to your bed you had quickly chucked your phone and purse into the bag unsure as to what you’re going to need today.

•••

as soon as you opened the door you were met with an ecstatic tubbo who instantly pulled you into a hug unable to contain their excitement of seeing their friend

“I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN AGES YOUVE CHANGED SO MUCH LOOK AT YOUR HAIR”

“I look exactly the same”

“Now I’m no genius y/n but last time we spoke you didn’t have unnatural hair”

you paused for a moment as tubbo had a point the last time you and tubbo were on face time your hair was classed as a natural colour however today as a fuck you to your school which didn’t allow unnatural hair you decided to dye it your favourite colour.

“you raise a fair point now if you don’t mind releasing me from your grasp I have to lock the door so no one gets in”

•••

“Tommy unlock the door let tubbo and y/n in”

“Y/N YOU'RE HERE- HOLY SHIT YOUR HAIR! JACK ARE YOU SEEING THIS”

“Hello to you too Tommy”

“well if we weren’t going to get noticed at the shopping centre earlier y/ns bright fucking hair will definitely cause people to notice us”

“oh I’m sorry I didn’t expect to be going shopping with a bunch of Minecraft streamers today”

“don’t you stream Minecraft?”

“This isn’t about me jack”

the trip to the shops was surprisingly relaxing y/n sat at the front listening to jack sing along to songs playing on the radio, however, it was clear the boys had something they weren’t telling y/n which became evident through Tommy and tubbo bickering in the back of the car about who was going to tell them. it was a relatively short journey due to the fact you lived close to the city centre

•••

“let’s go shopping boys” Tommy practically yelled to everyone, tubbo held his phone in your direction then looked towards you, nodding at him you grabbed his phone and began recording

“I'm vlogging”

Tommy walked over “YEAHHHHH”

walking past cex you had to put up with Tommy making sex jokes until you made it to game, you stood holding back your laugh as you filmed Tommy and tubbo fighting about who’s paying whilst jack went off to buy a Minecraft squishy and mug despite everyone’s arguments against it. soon enough fans came over asking for photos with you all once the group of fans left jack took over recording for tubbo whilst you went off to quickly buy some games that you could play on stream.

•••

“want a wig bro? jack!”

the four of you walked into the shop, you couldn’t help but stand in awe looking at all the bright colours already questioning what colour to dye your hair next the sound of Tommy and jack being amazed pulled you out of your thoughts

“Gogy goggles, I’m actually buying them”

“i wan’t a pair”

“no, you’re getting a wig jack”

“I don’t want a wig I want George”

“y/n has bright hair and they’re not complaining”

“what do you have against people with colourful hair jack hmm?”

•••

“I'm not happy”

“you look lovely jack”

“we’re getting so many looks”

tubbo stopped everyone to ‘fix’ jacks wig which resulted in everyone laughing once you had finally stopped laughing you noticed tubbo had walked off and you were convinced jack had randomly decided to record strangers until you saw tubbo going up and down escalators

“oh there he goes again”

“pov you’re thinking about bees”

“where to next boys?”

Tommy pointed towards the lift

“Is this a lift for us”

Tommy noticed the safety sign and automatically made comments about it

“keeping us all safe is what I would say if I wasn’t carrying a knife”

“oh same Tommy”

“look you can see me”

taking that as an invitation to join the vlog you stood behind tubbo and pointed at the sign again and looked at Tommy and jack

“keeping us all safe is what I would say if we weren’t about to do this-“

the three of you went to jump up and down

“NO”

the four of you quietly left the lift however you were convinced that the public heard Tommy comment on having a knife and you threatening to jump as once the lift opened everyone was staring at you but it could also be due to the fact you had brightly coloured hair and somehow convinced jack to keep the wig on, you all spent a long time trying to convince Tommy to get a new outfit, eventually you went into another shop a certain keyboard caught your eye

“I’ve found my home, ill stay here at the gamer bunker”

you decided now was the perfect time to sneak off to buy the keyboard that had caught your eye, once tubbo noticed it was too late you stood holding the bag with your purchase leaving you stood in the middle of the shop defending your purchase to him claiming that it was a business expense and not just because you thought it looked cool.

“you told me you wanted to save your money”

“it lights up tubbo and it fits the vibe of my room”

Tommy placed his arm on your head treating you as an armrest as you were shorter than him and he knew it annoyed you

“they have a point tubbo it lights up”

once the recording ended you made your way back to the car

“say y/n you wouldn’t mind if me Tommy and jack stayed the night as tomorrow we were thinking-“

“sure thing”

“YESSSSSS”

•••

the next day you were woken up at 9 am by Tommy stood at the foot of your bed

“hi y/n”

“WHAT THE FUCK- oh hi Tommy Jesus christ do you know how horrifying that was to wake up to”

“Sorry bout that but if I didn’t wake you up now you’d only wake up in the afternoon and we need to go soon I’ll leave you to get ready”

you noticed a note was next to a jumper on the floor ‘hi, thanks for letting us stay the night I really liked your hoodie so I decided to wear it today here’s mine in exchange- Tubbo :D’

normally you’d be concerned that someone stole your hoodie as you live with your parents however today was an exception once you were all ready you set off jack pulled into a McDonald's drive-through so you could all get breakfast

“nice hoodie y/n”

“Thanks, someone took mine and decided to make a trade”

“you’re welcome”

the journey was quiet again you sat next to tubbo in the back Tommy sat at the front screaming at jack and trying to distract him and people around you decided to took a picture with tubbo who now had his arm wrapped around you as it was rather cold in the car and posted it to Twitter ‘@ ranboosaysstuff wish you were here :D’ less than a minute later you received 2 notifications ‘ranboosaysstuff replied to your tweet: same’ ‘ ranboosaysstuff has tweeted: *the spongebob gif*’

•••

soon enough you all arrived at mint golf to say you we’re excited would be an understatement

“can I get the shortest club you have”

you stood hiding your face in the jumper tubbo left you whilst you laughed a few minutes later you received a call from ranboo the others said they’d sort everything for you whilst you answered

“what’s up tall one”

“stay safe okay”

“ranboo it’s mini-golf I’m not fighting criminals”

“yes but I know how clumsy you are”

“first of all rude second of all fuck you third of all jealousy isn’t a good look on you” you managed to say through laughter

“jokes aside please come to the UK boo”

“oh sure I’ll go book a plane ticket now” *ranboo ended the call*

ranboo made jokes like that before however this time sounded a lot more serious and you had no idea why he called you so you made a mental note to call him again later. once with friends again you were met with Tommy telling the worker all about you all

“yeah we’re big on the influencing”

“What on earth did I walk in on”

“no time to explain let’s go golf”

you were handed a club and a ball and were dragged away by jack

•••

tubbo joked about getting a hole on one as soon as it was his go, you bet £10 with jack he wouldn't

“hand over the money y/n”

you looked at Tommy who was now recording you handing jack the money “so today we have learnt to not underestimate your friends and that gambling is bad. you lose your money to a tall bald guy”

to put it politely you and Tommy found out that mini golf is not your calling in life

“ill stick to streaming“

“you’re both losing by the way”

“yeah well- why and how does tubbo have soup”

tubbo stood cradling the soup as though it was a child

“Some things I can’t explain to you”

you stood tilting your head to the side questioning where the hell he got soup from

“eh”

“soups like a small child I take care of it as if it was my own”

you couldn’t contain your laughter at this point the confused faces of your friends alongside tubbos happiness of soup sent you over the edge so you decided to just sit down before you fall as your knees were already weak from laughing too much

“where did you get the soup from”

“I manifested it”

•••

after a few solid minutes of arguing over soup you and Tommy dropping the phone you all continued with bowling.

“tubbo get out of the way of my dream ball”

you stood recording jack cheering him on tubbo had different plans and kicked the ball away resulting in jack giving up and copying what you had been doing most of the rounds, after missing the hole 3 times each go, picking up the ball and placing it in the hole however again he missed

“you can’t be serious”

“golf isn’t for everyone big man”

Tommy took the phone from you to record “pov you’re me golfing”

•••

“how do we get across there”

“probably the bridge”

Tommy pulled to rope moving the bridge across the gap

“Why thank you, Tommy, wouldn’t have been able to do it without you”

you laughed

“you're extremely welcome y/n it was extremely easy because I’m a big muscly man”

golf was finally going well till you hit the ball a bit too hard causing it to go over the fence tubbo was able to get the ball back

“I’ve been watching a lot of doctor shows” you stood amazed at how far you made the ball go

“see the issue is its mini golf. if this was regular golf I'd have got a hole in one I'm telling you”

•••

“I'm never being in your vlog again”

jack looked at you and tubbo who was now laughing at you pretending to worship the can of soup in the hole

“Tommy please come back”

the rest of the game was chaos, you kept missing the hole then claiming to rage quit golf tubbo and Tommy kept making jokes jack left his drink somewhere then had to go back and find it, no one had been paying attention to you which allowed you to take the score sheet and make it so you had won the game eventually he game was over you had declared yourself the champion of golf despite the fact everyone was better than you including Tommy

•••

the journey back was chaos you called ranboo who claimed he only called you to plan a video/stream with you however it was clear that wasn’t the reason tubbo whispered to you so no one could hear

“I think he wants to be here with us I think he’s jealous”

you laughed and nodded

“of course”

eventually, you all made it back to yours, ranboo said goodbye to everyone then ended the call now it was time for you to say your goodbyes. since your love language was physical touch you hugged everyone. As you walked into your house Tommy yelled “Y/N HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PLANES”

[offbrandmercyplates]

And Another One Gets a Post!

Ms. Emmibee: I’m tired and my back hurts.

Me: Hmm, I can’t as of yet teleport over-the-counter pain medicine and soft things to unknown locations with my mind. How can I help?

Me: Wait.

Me: There is a soft thing I can sort of teleport.

And here it is!

Sooo, I’ve been on a bit of a lazy streak this past week or so, so I figured I should actually do something productive, and what better way to be productive than to make a gift for someone? Thus, this is here.

I’ll also be posting this to my fanfiction account… AND my brand-new Archive Of Our Own account! Yeah, I finally did the thing and got an account. If I can figure out how to post the story right, then it’ll definitely be up today! Thanks once more plus infinity to Emmibee to inviting me and letting me write and post these and just generally being a really cool person!

If you’ve seen the picture that this story is based on, then you’ll definitely recognize the title. Speaking of things, but not entirely, here are some “warnings”:

Contains fluff and, like, one sort-of quote from Homestuck and Spongebob season 1, but I don’t know what episode. Read at your own risk.

Maximum Yearn

“Something on your mind, Dr. Gaster?” Emmibee asked the skeleton sitting across from her. He had been alternating between sneaking glances at her and staring intently into his coffee cup ever since she had sat down at the kitchen table that morning. Clearly, he was thinking hard about something, but what?

It took him a second to register what she had said, and he blinked his good eye socket at her. “There is always something on my mind,” he said simply. “My mind is a fascinating puzzle that I continue to improve on a daily basis with my incredible skills and accomplishments.”

“That, you do,” Emmi said with a light laugh.

He raised a bone brow at her. “I was being serious.”

“I know.”

He continued to look at her for a moment, at first with a bit of a hard expression, but slowly, it began to soften to one of neutral content. His two-second stare became a four-second stare, and Emmi turned her attention to her tea cup. She sipped the golden flower tea Asgore had gifted her on her first day in the Underground. The flavor was wonderful, a little like a sweet and floral oolong with natural hints of cream and honey.

She could still feel the doctor’s gaze on her. She wasn’t sure how one could “feel” a gaze without seeing it, but it felt… calculating, but not cold. Analytical, yet anticipatingly fascinated. Yes, anticipation. That was the emotion she could feel from him. A hint of apprehension and nervousness, all hiding an eagerness to learn, to expand. What a way with words I have this morning, she thought to herself. I’d better get to the bottom of why he’s looking at me before I write a whole creative essay.

She had just raised her gaze and opened her mouth when Gaster beat her to the chase. “There is something I must do.”

She cocked her head at him. “Must do?” He hummed in agreement. “And what might that be?”

He set his elbow on the table and raised his hand, the palm (or lack thereof) facing her. “Hold your hand like this.”

Slowly, she copied his position. “Why?”

“No questions.” He proceeded to stare at her hand for another couple of seconds. Emmi watched his eye socket shift slightly from side to side, taking in the sight. She wasn’t entirely sure what to make of this. Sure, Gaster could be a bit… odd, for lack of a better word, but he usually had a reason for what he did, even if his logic was just as odd as he was (again, for lack of a better word).

What could this be about? She ran through the possibilities: maybe he was trying to tell if her body was real or some sort of illusion created by her human SOUL? Or maybe he was trying to see if she had a nervous tic of some kind, so he’d know if she was feeling one way or the other? Both seemed like they could be it, but they didn’t seem to match the emotion she felt from him. So what—?

Without warning, Gaster pressed his hand against Emmi’s, hard and suddenly enough to create a soft clapping sound, but not enough to hurt. She did jump a bit, though. A very tiny part of her mind wondered how his hand had made such a sound without a palm. The rest of her mind was thinking, “hand”.

Gaster was now staring at their pressed-together hands, and she looked as well. His hand was much larger; the tip of her longest finger just touched the top of the hole in his palm. He fingers were long and slender, which was probably good for dealing with delicate machinery. And it was so warm.

So warm and comforting, in fact, that she nearly missed what he said. “…just as I thought,” he was saying.

She leaned forward across the table, inadvertently pressing their hands closer together. “What do you mean?”

“It’s increasingly obvious,” he continued, seeming to ignore her. “We can deny it no longer.”

“What? What?!” The anticipation was going to set Emmi’s wings aflutter again.

He paused again. Then he turned to look at her, his teeth quirking into what, on anyone else, would have barely qualified as a smile, but on him was the visual definition of “goofy”. “You are small.”

…

“PFFT-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!” She locked her fingers with his in an effort to keep herself from falling face-first onto the table and out of her chair.

“I’m perfectly serious,” Gaster said. His teeth quirked a little more, sending her into another series of loud guffaws. “Honestly, you can be so strange. Why in the world would you be laughing?”

Emmi wheezed. She probably would have kept on going for an hour, had she not felt something press against the back of her hand between her fingers. She looked up and saw that Dr. Gaster had also locked his fingers with hers. Their hands were now clasped. They were holding hands. We’re doing this, man, Emmi thought, we’re making this happen. In all honesty, if she could just have a single minute of this, every day, for the rest of her life, then deciding to come to this world was already more than worth it. And it could only go uphill from here.

Unfortunately, it was not meant to last. Gaster blinked suddenly and pulled his hand away, staring at her in a way she couldn’t describe. Definitely not that same, goofy warmth from before, though. Someday, Gaster. Someday.

“I have work,” Gaster said sharply, standing up. He grabbed his coffee mug and stared at it. “It’s cold,” he stated. He then downed the coffee in one gulp. “It was cold.”

“Shame.”

Gaster hurried around the kitchen, shoving his arms into his lab coat and slinging his work bag over his shoulder. Emmi watched him scurry, still in a good mood despite the hand holding being cut short. “I think I’ll spend the day at the Librarby,” she said nonchalantly.

“Library,” Gaster corrected. “They made a mistake when painting the sign.”

“I know. So… can I, you know, do that?”

“Do what you will. Just don’t talk to anyone.”

“I’m not going to ignore someone if they say ‘hello’, Dr. Gaster.”

He gave her a look before sighing in defeat. “Only talk to someone if they engage first.”

Emmi grinned at him. “Thanks, Dr. Gaster.”

His free hand practically flew to adjust his glasses, and he seemed a bit too distracted to notice at the moment. “Mm. I’ll pick you up when I get back from… work.”

“Say ‘hi’ to the boys for me,” she wanted to say, but figured that would just redact everything that happened just now. Instead, she said, “okay. Bye, doctor.”

He hummed in acknowledgement and hurried out the door, slamming it behind him out of a need for speed rather than a need to express intense emotion.

Emmi settled into the quiet of the house for a moment, then looked at her tea. “It’s probably cold,” she said aloud. She drank the tea in one gulp. “It was cold.”

After putting the cups in the sink, she grabbed an energy bar out of the fridge and put on her coat. Time to read up on monster history to impress a certain skele-man.

***

When does this take place? I imagine maybe a week or two after Emmi has settled into Snowdin with Gaster. Long enough that there’s something of a routine in place, soon enough that Emmi still has some golden flower tea from Asgore, and before Emmi officially meets the boys. Who knows how long it’ll take to get there; it’ll be worth the wait, though!

According to this site I found called Adiago Teas, golden flower tea is a kind of oolong with hints of honeysuckle, “Osmanthus” (which is a flower apparently found on the “devilwood” tree), and a subtle creaminess. I’m not sure what kind of tea Emmibee would like, and I don’t even know if this would count as the same kind of golden flower tea Asgore makes, but she wasn’t complaining during chapter one, so I imagine she’s good with sweet teas. (After some further research, it turns out Adiago also does “fandom” teas, including a series for Undertale! However, the teas are based on characters, and none of them are a straight up “golden flower” tea. Though Flowey’s does have gunpowder. Blow up a cardboard box with it.)

Does this seem to friendly for Gaster? Keep in mind that he has his own logic to these sorts of things, and was probably trying to see what would happen when he put his hand to Emmi’s. Also, I imagine he was sleep deprived (suddenly having someone in your home can wreck your sleep schedule), was thinking about it since she showed up, and also touch-starved. Disguising hand holding as a miniature “experiment” is the perfect way to keep yourself from thinking you have emotional needs!

A part of me wondered if Emmi’s hand would accidentally go through Gaster’s hand hole, but I figured that would ruin the mood, so that’s a mystery for another day.

I saw an Undertale animatic a few days ago that just put Spongebob quotes over Undertale characters, and Flowey was Plankton, and he said what Gaster says here. Like all children growing up before you could buy all of the seasons of a TV show at once on DVD, I never saw all of the episodes or even seasons; just whatever happened to be playing on the TV when I was in a place that had cable, like not my house. I missed this quote, and I am sad. I figured I should have Gaster say this, because, soft humor.

Speaking of quotes, there’s no real reason for the Homestuck quote I had Emmi think; I just like references. I also made the quote more grammatically correct, because I like grammar. There’s not much else to say on the matter.

Cold coffee and cold tea. Not the most enjoyable, but apparently perfectly viable. I’m not much of a tea or coffee fan in real life (hot cocoa all the way!), but I personally don’t mind downing cold hot chocolate all that much; it’s easier to gulp down and you can taste it without worrying about burning your tongue. Cold drinking chocolate, though, iS DIFFERENT AND IS DELICIOUS AND I’VE HAD IT ONCE AND I WANT SOME BUT THE ONLY PLACE I KNOW OF THAT HAS SOME IS IN A DIFFERENT TOWN AND ALSO I HAVE NO MONEY/TRANSPORT.

So… yeah, that’s everything! I have to go eat dinner now, but as soon as that’s done, I’ll get to posting these things on my other sites! Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom! See you around!

~~~

I am BEYOND exhausted so I can’t write a whole long thing but i wanted to get this up so everyone can read this wonderful fic!! I’ve had a rough day today and this made it much much better, so thank you very much, Author, this is really sweet and cute and I keep re-reading it. 

Since I like addressing your comments tho here: Emmi does like sweet teas! She doesn’t like bitterness, and like Gaster, she has a sweet tooth. I grew up drinking sweet iced tea (it’s a southern USA thing), fun fact. 

Disguised hand-holding is the ultimate fluff.

Again, thank you so much again for writing this. Its so so sweet.

I’ll be reblogging this with the AO3 and FF links!

[nctxnation]

A Haunting in Neo City

➳ Pairing: Renjun x Reader 

➳ Genre: Romance | Buzzfeed Unsolved AU

➳ Word Count: 4.8k

➳ Warnings: Mild Language

➳ “Of all the problems and complications in my life, I had not expected love to be one of them.” ― Stacie Evans

You spun around in your chair, eyes tired of seeing the screen after finally finishing another article. The coffee mug next to you, empty, and your brain still sleep deprived and sluggish.

“You look like shit.”

You groaned, pressing send on the computer and turning to see your partner in crime, or more like partner in the occult and crime. 

“Hello, to you too, Renjun,” You flicked a paper clip at him and he rolled his eyes as it bounced off his chest. “I’m just tired. Yeri and the girls’ invited me out for dinner last night.”

“Fun,” He grinned, jumping onto your desk, knocking papers to the side. “All I did last night was see how many pens Jisung could stuff in his mouth, nine, by the way.”

“I’m guessing you have some news for me,” Your eyes zeroed in on the stack of papers in his hands. “Let me guess a cursed doll that terrorizes its owners?”

“Been there, done that, remember?” He smiled down at you, eyes brightening at the prospect of a new adventure. Your heart fluttered at the eagerness in his tone and the sparkle of his eyes, “We’re going out to Neo City to scope out the Evermore Woods, aka the Haunted Woods of Neo City. There’s supposedly haunted cabins and we might just end up possessed, you in?” 

Of course, you were in. You’d follow Renjun anywhere, he didn’t know that. You sure as hell didn’t want to submit to the sheer embarrassment and awkwardness that would ensue after disclosing your romantic feelings to your coworker and closest friend. 

“Do I have a choice?” You grinned snatching the prints of research out of his grip. “We’re not gonna end up possessed, it has never happened.”

“You never know,” He was positively buzzing with excitement and it made you beam at how adorable he looked. “I have a feeling this one is gonna be a good episode though.”

“You always have the craziest shit up your sleeve,” You noted, glancing through rumored sightings of ghosts and wild stories that spurred from college students partying in the woods. “This is no exception. Sounds like a fun roadtrip to me.”

“Wait ‘til you read about the Ghost of Jieun they saw there, it’s some crazy shit I kid you not!” 

Renjun went on the full blown spiel, trying to persuade you that the woods were indeed haunted and it wasn’t just a hoax. He did this all the time, seeing as he was the one who fully believed in the paranormal between the two of you. You were the one who decidedly followed him throughout his supernatural investigations sprinkling witty commentary as you weren’t as sold in any stuff like that. 

You were often the cause of Renjun’s constant hysteria as you seldom kept quiet and continuously egged and taunted any ‘spirit’ that might be lurking. It got to the point Renjun would keep a small bottle of holy water in his car and occasionally spray you with it just to make sure you weren’t actually possessed. 

A long ass story about some ghost later, Renjun was summoned by Jeno who needed help as Haechan had gotten his hand stuck up some tubing they were filming a video with. You took that as your cue to refill your empty coffee cup, to regain some life and have at least a semblance of a normal, functioning human being. 

You however didn’t expect yourself to be cornered by Yeri and Yuta, who were looking far too devilish. Their evil smirking were making you want to add them to the list of possible people to perform an exorcism on, part of Renjun’s never ending list.

“So, you and Renjun looked pretty cosy there,” Yeri commented, subtly glancing at Yuta whose face only darkend with mischief. 

“We’re partners on this ongoing project,” You deadpanned, pouring in some burning hot liquid into your mug. The steaming zest of life. “He literally has no choice now, the loser is stuck with me. We ordained it with a blood oath which is pretty on brand for us, I guess.”

Yuta cackled heartily, “No wonder you guys’ are in love. You have the same sense of humor.”

“Thanks,” The words processed in your brain slower than Internet Explorer. “Wait--what? In love? Renjun and me?”

“Am I speaking in Japanese?” Yuta winked at you, sipping his coffee so smugly you wanted to slap him. “So, when’s the wedding?”

“It’s not like that,” You began to feel uneasy, their staring was predator-like. “How many times do I have to spell it out to you guys? Renjun and me, we’re friends and co-workers, nothing more. So, we share a room every once in a while and have inside jokes, you and Winwin do too.”

“Mhmm sure,” Yeri shrugged it off, “One day we’ll get you to admit your love for each other.”

“Not gonna happen,” You gritted out, taking your mug and walking away as fast as you could so they couldn’t see the intense blush coloring your features. 

“You better send a wedding invitation!” Yuta hollered as you rounded the corner and saw Renjun and Haechan laughing about his incident.

Your heart warmed as Renjun’s eyes met yours and you could have sworn you saw a fondness in his eyes that was only reserved for you. A small sliver of hope slithered its way into your heart, but you crushed it easily on account of it being your sleep deprived brain creating scenarios in your head that weren’t real.

Unbeknownst to you, Renjun sighed in aggravation. His little frown catching Haechan’s attention.

“You might as well tell Y/N you like them,” Haechan said as he watched your retreating figure. 

“It’s not that easy,” Renjun admitted, “Y/N and me are a team, we have our own series and its doing really good. I don’t want to ruin any of that knowing they don’t feel the same.”

“You sure about that?” Haechan snorted.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Renjun snapped, ready to put Haechan in headlock at any given offense. 

“I mean the supernatural isn’t the only thing your blind to,” Haechan patted his friend’s shoulder and left, leaving Renjun more confused than before.

Renjun thought it was easier to be cornered by ghosts, demons, serial killers, and bizarre monsters than having to ever come close to admitting his feelings for you. Your friendship ran deep and he didn’t want to derail the dynamic he worked so hard to upkeep. Plus, he didn’t think you’d like him, you got along swimmingly due to the fact that you two instantly clicked. You were his best friend, in his eyes, telling you he wanted something more was severely scarier than facing ghouls. 

The matters of the heart were always something terrifying.

Renjun placed his folder of information neatly on the table, eyes bright as he faced the camera. You sat next to him trying your best not to stare too much at him. You failed of course and you hoped your audience thought none of it. The comment section had a few comments littered about they way you looked at each other. The last thing you needed was your full blown heart eyes for Renjung to be the one thing your viewers discussed. 

“This week we will be exploring the haunted cabins in the Neo City Evermore Woods.”

Gosh, even the way his voice went into professional mode was starting to sound immensely attractive to you. 

“Do you think we'll see bears?” You asked, smirking at the frustrated sigh he let out. The edges of his lips turned upwards and that in itself was enough to have you glowing.

“The woods are crawling with ghosts and demons and you're worried about bears?” He chuckled, it was so like you. It was one of the many things he liked about you, even when it clashed with who he was. 

“I just don't want to take my chances.”

“But you'll be okay with being possessed?” His eyes bulged out of his face and you giggled at how comical he looked. 

“I'm being realistic. I guess we can trace a circle around us.”

“Of salt?”

“No, dirt like with a stick. For the bear, Renjun. Not the ghosts.”

“Isn't that from Spongebob?” He regarded you with sparkly eyes full of amusement. 

He loved the way you made the tension in his body release, the way your eyes crinkled when you laughed at your own stupid jokes. He was seriously gone and he hoped it didn’t get captured on camera. 

“Yeah that's where I get all my educational information from.”

He started wheezing and you joined in laughing at how silly you sounded. That was your role in this dynamic duo, he took everything regarding the supernatural seriously and you joked about it. You two were like yin and yang in a sense, you balanced each other out. 

“Well, I get all my educational information from reliable sources,” Renjun began addressing the timeline of the Disappearance of Jieun, to telling about her murder and the hauntings of the lake and cabins.

You added your own commentary, smiling when the camera turned off and Renjun excitedly high fived you. Yup, you were way too deep. 

“You were really funny out there,” He said, shuffling all his papers back into his folder, “Great stuff. I think I’m going to need an inhaler or something.”

“Nah, I think I sounded cringey,” You waved off his immediate protests, “I just wanted to take the time to say that you really put a lot of work into this series and it shows. You’re doing amazing, Renjun, and you deserve to know it.”

“Couldn’t do it without you?” He was too sweet, he was going to give you tooth decay.

“I don’t think--”

“No, of course you don’t see how great you are,” He interrupted you, placing a small warm hand on your shoulder. “But I see how great you are and I think you should know you make this series worth doing.”

“Renjun…”You swiped an imaginary tear off your cheek, ignoring the actual tears building up. “You really are the sweetest person in the office, don’t tell Jungwoo I said that.” 

The weight of his compliment and your lack of though, had you wrapping his frame around your arms. He froze, but then melted into your hands. 

“I’m serious you make the other half of Spooky Duo,” Renjun’s warmth blossomed a new kind of warmth in your heart, “I love you, Y/N...I mean, you’re the best partner in crime money can buy.”

“You threatened me to join you,” You sniffled, ignoring the fluttering feelings the eight letters he murmured brought you. “I had no choice in the matter, but you’re a great partner in crime...I love you too, Renjun.”

The love you felt was different than the love he felt that much you knew. No lack of sleep or caffeine rush was going to lull you into a false reality that you made up in your head. He didn’t feel the same. 

There was beat, in which you both stood, arms tangled and breathing rough, staring into each other’s eyes. The moment was broken when Yuta and Yeri stumbled into your work room claiming a group meeting. You scrambled away from each other, your eyes having totally not been hyperfixed on his lips. Renjun cleared his throat and fist bumped you claiming you as the best friend he could ask for, before he went on his merry way.

You sighed, not trying hard enough to hide you own dejection, but you followed behind him. This, unfortunately, only roused Yuta and Yeri even more as they began gossiping about the office, murmuring about how any day now the Spooky Duo were finally going to get together.

It was dusk, night barely stretching across the horizon when you reached the edge of the Evermore Woods. The forest was cold, dark, and dense. It was the picturesque vision of any horror movie setting, horrific and nightmarish. It would certainly allow for your mind to conjure up the scariest of things to crawl from out of the forest, had you been creative enough for it. From the look in Renjun’s wide eyes, you can tell he felt the eeriness set in too. 

The uneasiness reflected in Jeno and Jaemin’s eyes, your camera crew for tonight. Haechan and Yuta were already setting up things in the cabins. Renjun gulped and led the way down the path,  Jeno and Jaemin stayed a couple of steps behind you two, jostling through the greenery with their equipment. 

“Are you afraid of anything?” Renjun trekked through the foliage skillfully, the bright flashlight guiding him, although there was a subtle shake to his grip.

“Yeah, dying alone. Thank God I have you.” It was meant as a joke, but the weight of your words rang heavy and poignant in contrast to the eerie silence of the night.

Renjun deliberated for a moment, before following it up with a quip of his own, “I'll feed you to the demons before you even get to me.”

“That’s to say there’s even demons.” 

“Our viewers think you’re a demon.” His eyes were playful, reeling you in and effectively turning you into mush.

“I can’t confirm nor deny that.” You squashed the butterflies easily, falling into step behind him. 

“Do you think we’ll catch some real footage of something?”

“What if we see Bigfoot?”

“Wrong episode,” Renjun smiled, “Do these woods spook you out? What's that noise?”

“Do you know what a cricket is? Speaking of Bigfoot,” You poked his side and he flew up, sending you a glare, “Remember last time? Dude, you were practically crying.”

“I thought we were gonna die,” He defended, “How was I supposed to know Johnny was in a Bigfoot costume ready to scare the shit out of us.”

“That was the whole point,” You said as you finally reached the small lake where the Ghost of Jieun was rumored to be seen. “Are you down for a late night swim?” 

Renjun focused his thermal camera on his surroundings, frowning as he caught sight of nothing out of the ordinary. “Should we try the spirit box? Maybe we can speak to her.”

“Chick was murdered by a man, she probably has some deep issues,” You said, plopping down on the wet grass that covered the lip of the lake. “She probably won’t want to speak to you. Or maybe she’s hiding in the cabins back there.”

Jeno and Jaemin propped up all the filming equipment and readied the camera to start filming. They signaled Renjun to get started and he immediately launched into ‘YouTuber Renjun’. 

“We’re here at the Evermore Woods of Neo City. As you can see, we have Green Water Lake right behind me and some of the cabins that remained from the old campground. People say the Ghost of Jieun likes to linger around this general area, near the dock.”

“Wasn’t she killed by her lover?” You bounced a small pebble into the water and watched it ripple.

“Yeah, he dated her. He actually said she was too beautiful to be murdered and she agreed and used that as her tactic to live for one more minute.”

“I--what?”

“Yeah she was basically like ‘Please don't kill me, I’m too sexy for this disrespect.”

“Do you think he was like hahaha don't die your so sexy...oops sorry my knife fell into you.”

“We really shouldn't be joking about this here,” Renjun bit his lip, glancing around nervously.

“That sounds like a freaking skit from American Horror Story 1984! How am I supposed to take it seriously?”

“Because we're probably standing within the general vicinity of the crime.”

“Oh, shit.” You turned towards the cabins. “Should we go inside?”

“You want to go first or should I?” He asked, brushing off bits of grass of his pants and helping you up off the ground. 

“The non-believer always goes first,” You smiled, pinching his cheek, “You, my dear, are last because you’ll most likely freak out and that will be great footage.”

“Please don’t summon anymore demons from the pits of hell.” Renjun begged, although you caught subtle lilt of amusement in his voice. 

“Can’t make any promises,” You took the spirit box and thermal camera from him. “It’s not like anything exciting ever happens anyway.”

“Be careful.” 

The words were simple but the way he said them, dripping with concern. You almost turned around to see his face, but you knew that if you didn’t stop walking towards the cabin, you’d kiss him then and there. Your feelings were growing and him being the sweet, caring person he was, wasn’t helping your case. 

“Honestly, Renjun, is probably pissing his pants right now.” You told the camera Jeno was pointed at you, he agreed silently with a grin. “He’s always terrified, but is like an eager puppy wanting to catch anything.”

“Y/N probably raised hell in there, but what's new.” Renjun called out, opening the door to one of the cabins. 

“I did no such thing...just told the ghost to screw itself for not singing Fergalicious to see if it's real or not.”

“Fergalicious wasn't even a thing back then.”

“Fergie withstands the fabric of time, it's all an illusion, Renjun.” You walked up to him and he made room for Jeno and you to enter. “Maybe something will come out if there’s more of us. It could want variety in its selection.”

The door closed behind you and all you could hear was the heavy breathing of everyone in the room. There was a freakish vibe to them, more so than when you were alone. Jeno swept the camera around the room, catching every cobweb and dust particle within view. Jaemin focused his camera on the Renjun and you waiting for some action.

“Okay, if there’s anyone--Jeiun or any other ghost can you say something to let us know you’re hear.” Renjun flipped the spirit box on and the room was flooded with static noise and the occasional gurgle of something possibly otherworldly.

“My name is Y/N and this my buddy Renjun,” You licked your lips, feeling the chill of the night creep up on you like a frosty hand. “For his sake, can you say something? Is it like in Ghost Whisper, that you have unfinished business and that’s why don’t cross over?”

“Ren…”

“Oh, fuck,” Renjun began to blubber.

“Y/N….” The voice was barely audible above the static, but still managed to erupt a trail of goosebumps down your arm. It clearly sounded like the voice of a girl. “Ren...jun…”

“Oh, hell no,” Renjun looked on the brink of a breakdown, he clambered towards the exit but Jeno blocked it. “Jeno, what the hell!”

“I...am...Jieun…”

A shrill noise pierced the ear and the static of the spirit box became muffled right after. Suddenly, Jeno began to move frenetically, casting the camera aside on a wooden table. His eyes were twitching and his arms waved in the air as if he were possessed.

“Jeno?” Jaemin’s voice was hoarse, he gently shook Jeno.

His eyes widened as Jeno glared down at him and then smacked him on the side, knocking him straight down. Jaemin whimpered from the brute force of his hit and recoiled as Jeno wailed violently and incoherently.

“J-Jeno?” Renjun grabbed your arm and shoved you behind his body, shielding you from any harm Jeno may cause. “Hey, man, if this is about you not getting to pick the location, we can work this out?”

Jaemin got up and quickly grabbed a hold of Jeno whose eyes were rolling back, his whole body contorting under the hold of Jaemin. Renjun pushed you back, slowly stumbling into the small closet in the corner of the room.

“I think he’s possessed!” Jaemin shouted, pinning Jeno down and waving you two off. “Take cover somewhere, I don’t think I can hold him down for much longer.”

Renjun hesitated, not believing his eyes. You pulled him back and ducked into the small closet, the only thing you could hear was the violent rustle of the wind outside and Jeno’s screeching. 

“I shit you not if this is one of your pranks Y/N--”

“It’s n-not,” You stuttered, your whole body quivering like a feather in the breeze. “I swear to God Renjun, I don’t know what’s going on.”

Jaemin’s screaming ceased, there was silence, then a loud, thumping. Jeno’s fists hit the door in frantic, solid beats shaking the door with each hit. 

“He loved me,” Jeno’s voice sounded distanted, higher pitched, “He said he loved me. He said I was beautiful, yet he killed me.”

“Jieun?” Renjun almost sounded sympathetic and you wanted to cry at how sweet he can be, but this wasn’t the time. “Is that you in Jeno? Look, I’m sorry for--”

“You’re not sorry!” Jeno’s thundering voice was full of anguish, “You mock me with your love!”

“What?” You cleared your throat, finding it hard to sound anything remotely human when all you wanted was to sob. 

“Your love for each other,” Jeno as Jieun said, “I thought I had that with him. I was wrong. All I want to see is the love I never got.”

“Is she on crack?” You blurted unthinkingly causing Renjun to silence you with a frantic glare. “I mean, oh yeah, we have a very deep friendly affection.”

“Love,” possessed Jeno corrected, “Tell each other you love each other. You never know what life might throw at you. Enjoy love while you can.”

“Is that a threat Ghost Lady?” You didn’t know what to think of possessed Jeno’s words.

“I’ll let you out only if you speak your heart’s desire.”

“Heart’s desire?” Renjun laughed perturbed by the ghost’s insinuation. “This is crazy.”

“Confess your heart’s desire or face the consequences!” Jeno began banging on the door again and it looked like if he slammed his fist one more time, it would crumble under his sheer strength.

“Renjun do something!”

“Okay, okay, stop Jieun,” Shaking like a leaf, he turned to you ignoring the persistent badgering and grumbling from possessed Jeno. “Y/N, if we don’t make it out of this alive I’m sorry I dragged you into this place.”

The lack of heartfelt confessions only angered Jeno even more. 

“Hey, Samara chill for a second, okay?” You looked at Renjun, taking his hand and squeezing it. “You don’t force me to go anywhere with you, truth is, I’d follow you to any stupid place you want to go. It doesn’t matter if I think it’s haunted or not, for work or not, I’d still follow you anywhere.”

“What?” His breath knotted in his threat and as your breath fanned across his cheeks, he could have sworn he’d be the next ghost to inhabit that cabin. You were too close and his poor heart can only take so much in one night.

“I don’t know if its the fact we’re about to die,” You wanted to be swallowed by some random hole in the ground or have creepy ghost Jeno drag you away. “Or the fact I can’t see you since it’s dark as shit in here. Or even the fact that I’m starting to think this is a nightmare and I’ll wake up in my desk with you hovering over me with fresh coffee and that cheesy smile of yours that I lo--”

“Y/N.” The way he spoke your name so softly and lovingly, made your temperature rise the cold of the dinky closet no longer affected you. 

“Oh, right, sorry,” You rushed through your words, wanting this all to be over, “Truth is I like you, Renjun. I’ve liked you for a long time and that’s why I didn’t need a lot of convincing to join your team.”

“Is that true?” Samara-Jeno asked. 

“Truer words have never been spoken.”

“I like you too, Y/N,” Renjun’s voice cracked and your heart swelled. “I’m not...I have no words to describe it. But I like you so much and I never had the courage to say it.”

You smiled, shrouded in the darkness he couldn’t see the pure happiness on your face. 

“I’ll leave this body now,” Samara-Jeno said, breaking the heart-eyes-through-the-dark spell you two were in. “You can rest easy, I’m gone…Hey, you guys what the hell happened?”

“Holy shit it worked!” The sheer exuberance of him confessing and you not being in danger had you squealing. “I didn’t think that would work!”

Renjun, however took this differently, “Yeah, you’re such a good actor. That confession...wow.”

“What?” You didn’t even have time to process the crushing sensation his words brought. “Oh, yeah, good one right?” You knew it was too good to be true.

“For God’s sake--”Jeno threw the door open and you clambered over to grip Renjun close to you.

Jaemin sighed exasperated as he readjusted the camera in his hands. You crawled out of the closet, disoriented and bewildered by everything going on. Haechan was handing Chenle money (“Told you they were dumb to see their love”) and bitterly glaring at you two. Yuta and Yeri looked like they wanted to bang their heads. 

“What the hell is this?” You shrieked as Renjun gaped at his coworkers. 

“This was a set up!” Jeno explained, outraged by the sheer dumbassery you two possessed. “You guys literally confessed to each other like we wanted! Then straight up made it sound like it was all acting...what the heck!”

“You guys are really something else,” Yuta shook his head. “Love is blind and makes you oblivious, but you two are just dumbassess.”

“Wait, so you like me?” Renjun’s eyes widened at your accusation.

“You like me too?” 

“Yeah, I actually wasn’t lying,” You felt sheepish at all the pairs of eyes glued on you. “I do like you, Renjun...enough to go ghost hunting even though I don’t believe in that.”

“I like you too,” He cupped your cheek in his hands, ignoring the camera Jaemin pointed right at you. “You’re my partner in crime and I kinda wanna have you around to hunt more ghosts.”

“That’s an offer I can’t resist,” You grinned, kissing him gently on the cheek. “However, you’re gonna have to buy me dinner after, all this ghost hunting makes me hungry.”

“Deal.” The same fondness in his eyes you thought you imagined before, returned and your eyes reflected that fondness. “Now, what the hell were you guys thinking this was a great location and we could have had awesome footage!”

You spent the rest of the night scouring the woods for ghosts, although you didn’t find any. Renjun and you, trailed behind everyone, hand and hand and beaming brighter than the moon above. 

“What do you think our viewers are gonna make our ship name be?”

“I hope it’s not something silly,” You gripped his fingers tightly, yanking him closer to you. “There’s something I’ve really been wanting to do, but doing it in front of everyone and in haunted cabin, just didn’t seem right.”

“Yeah, what’s that?” His fingers caressed your cheek, letting them trail down as he placed his hand on your arm. He marveled at the way you shivered under his touch. He was getting too cocky and needed to be stepped down a notch.

You pecked his lips quickly, the only witness to your kiss was the moon and stars. He soften under your touch, holding you tighter. You pulled away all too quick for his taste and laughed as you made your way towards the cars and the group.

“That’s what you get for being a tease!”

He smiled and followed you spraying holy water from his spray can at your retreating figure.

“You really are a demon!” He joked as he caught up to you and took your hand in his again.

“Another one to add to the list of completed missions,” You grinned shuffling into the van. “Up for another adventure?”

“With you, yes,” He would never stop making your heart flutter.

“I swear to God if you two are going to be this cheesy, I am going to regret setting this up in the first place.”

Yuta was only kidding, considering he was the biggest shipper. The next day at the office the video of you two confessing to each other was seen by everyone. For once, you were glad to have been terrorized by an alleged ghost. You watched as Renjun walked over to you, glowing, and a folder in his hand. Yeah, you’d definitely followed this dork through any “haunted” place or anywhere for that matter. 

Paranormal Neotivity masterlist 

[theboysfromaustin]

Insomnia (AKA hours before they meet Anders) (poly AU)

September 9, 2018

Ian stirred, eyes opening.  TV's on?  He looked at the clock - 3 AM, then back at the bed.  Kazuo was sprawled out, snoring lightly, but Gav was missing.  He sat up, putting on his slippers, and headed downstairs.  Gav was sitting on the couch, staring at a frying pan infomercial.  "Hey," Ian said, sitting next to him.  "Hey," Gav said, leaning on him.  "Couldn't sleep?" "Nope," he said quietly, looking away, ashamed.

Ian put one arm around him.  "You okay?" "Yeah, just insomnia." Gav crawled into his lap, wrapping his arms around Ian.  Ian grinned, flopping back against the arm of the couch.  Gav sighed deeply.  "I love you." "I love you, too, sweet." Gav rested his head on Ian's chest, listening to his breathing and heartbeat. His eyelids drooped.

Ian rested his chin on Gav's head.  He didn't care how late it was - he was semi-retired now.  He stroked the redhead's hair gently, pulling a blanket off the top of the couch with his other hand, draping it over both of them.  Gav sighed once more, settling in deeper.   Ian began singing softly, "When life leaves you high and dry, I'll be at your door tonight if you need help…."

The younger man yawned, blinking sleepily.  Ian continued, "You're my back bone, you're my cornerstone, you're my crutch when my legs stop moving…." Gav's head drooped as he succumbed to sleep, his breathing beginning to even out.  Ian stopped singing, a smile on his face.  "Guess we're sleeping down here tonight," he chuckled.  He settled in against the couch, turning off the TV, sleep beginning to overtake him.

--- 6 AM

Kazuo woke up alone.  "Huh?" He strapped his leg on, and went looking for his husband and boyfriend.  "Ian?  Gav?" He headed down the stairs.  "Guys?" He rounded the corner into the living room and stopped, a grin crossing his face.  "Oh, that's cute."

Ian was laying there on the couch, mouth open, a string of drool extending from his lower lip. Gav was snuggled facedown against Ian as close as he could get. They were both snoring.  Kazuo pulled their blanket up higher, and went into the kitchen to put the coffee on.  He pulled a mug out of the cabinet, setting it down before he leaned on the counter, yawning.  He poured himself a cup and settled in, sipping on it for several moments.

He made his way back out to the couch, where he knelt down, getting on the level of his sleeping partners.  "Wake up, my loves." Ian snorted, muttering something.  Gav reached out, touching Kazuo's face.  "I'm not an alarm clock, babe." He raised his head, squinting.  "Huh?  This isn't...the bedroom…." "Nope.  You and Ian fell asleep on the couch."

Gav sat up halfway, rubbing his eyes.  Ian continued snoring.  He reseated himself on Ian's chest.  Kazuo jumped up, settling in on Ian's legs.  "Shouldn't we let him sleep?" "If he didn't want to be used as seating, he shouldn't have fallen asleep on the couch."  He grabbed the remote, turning the TV on, flipping through the channels until he found SpongeBob.

Ian stirred, opening one eye.  "Why are you both sitting on me?" "Because you're here." "And we love you." Ian opened his other eye.  "I love you both, but combined you're pretty heavy." Gav immediately flopped over so he was face-to-face with Ian, a grin on his face.  Kazuo flopped on top of him.  "Oof!   Alright, what is it you two want?"

"Breakfast!" "At Star Seeds Cafe!"

"Alright, you miscreants, we can go!" "Yay!" They rolled off him, dashing for the stairs to get changed.  Ian sat up, rubbing his neck, smiling.  He stood, stretching his arms.  "Bring me down a shirt and some pants!" He flopped back down onto the couch as Gav and Kazuo reappeared, each throwing an article of clothing on his head.

Ian removed the shirt and pants from his head, standing again and shedding his nightclothes.  Kazuo immediately catcalled him. "Oh, stop!" But he was grinning.  He pulled his clothes on, running his fingers through his hair to make himself look presentable.

"You both ready?" "Yeah!" "Alright!" They followed him to the kitchen, where he grabbed the keys.  He looked over them both, a smile on his face.

I don't think I could be happier.

Little did he know what the rest of the day would bring.

[loganscanons]

25. Rhyder x Cal

25. Wet kisses after finding refuge from the rain.

They were only a few blocks away from Cal’s apartment when the pale gray clouds started to darken, and the sky turned ominous. The wind kicked up, blowing around the trash and litter that had settled beside curbs and the walls of buildings. An ice cream bar wrapper skittered in front of Rhyder’s feet, the ice cream depiction of Spongebob staring up at him with soulless eyes. Rhyder stepped over it, leaning into Cal as a tall man with his head down bustled past, leaning against the wind. The strangers on the sidewalks had all quickened their pace, urged on by the looming storm.

“Wonder what pissed him off this time?” Cal muttered, scowling at the sky. Out of habit, he signed as he spoke, allowing Rhyder to understand the under-the-breath comment. As if in response, a roll of thunder boomed through the streets.

“It’s not always because he’s angry,” Rhyder said, matching Cal’s stride. “Sometimes he was trying to hide from Hera, right?”

Cal looked at the clouds again, which seemed to grow a shade darker. “Could be,” he said. “Either way, I think I’d rather be inside.”

“Me too,” Rhyder said.

Cal’s apartment was well within view, less than a block away, when the clouds erupted with a terrifying crack that reverberated in Rhyder’s bones. There was no build-up, no slow transition from the occasional drop of water, to a sprinkle, to a downpour. One second, there was no rain, just the looming clouds, the foreboding chill of the wind. The next, the streets already seemed to be flooding, small rivers manifesting by the gutters, washing down trash and leaves, inundated by large, cold raindrops that poured down like a waterfall from the skies. Rhyder and Cal didn’t even bother running the last block to Cal’s apartment. By the time they’d taken two quickened steps, they were soaked to their cores, their clothes clinging to their skin.

Cal fumbled with his key, blinking through the droplets of water that gathered on his eyelashes. He pulled the door open, stepping back to let Rhyder in, then pulling it closed behind them. The door was one that closed on its own, and it resisted the manual force placed upon it, groaning on its hinges. The air-conditioned hallway blew against their wet skin and raised goosebumps on Rhyder and Cal’s arms and necks. Cal took the stairs two at a time, his front door key already positioned between his thumb and forefinger. As soon as the door was open, he kicked off his now soaked shoes and snatched them off the floor to let them dry in the bathtub, where they wouldn’t leave spots of water to be stepped in. Rhyder followed his lead.

“I’ll put our clothes in the dryer,” Cal said, grabbing a couple thread-bare towels from the bathroom closet. “I’m sure I have something you can wear while we wait for it to dry. Like sweatpants or…something…” his voice trailed off as he turned to see Rhyder already stripping off his shirt.

The yellow of the bathroom light reflected off Rhyder’s wet skin, highlighting parts of the many tattoos that marked his body. Cal could feel himself staring, yet he couldn’t convince himself to look away. Rhyder had both nipples pierced, and Cal wondered if those were new and how he hadn’t noticed them before. Not that he spent time staring at Rhyder’s nipples, but it seemed like something that was hard to miss. On his side, just above his hip, Rhyder had a tattoo of an owl doing a kickflip on a skateboard. Cal had never asked, but he was pretty sure that tattoo was meant for him. He knew Rhyder liked to get tattoos to represent his friends, and they were friends, though there were times when Cal wished they were more. This was definitely one of those times that he wished they were more.

Rhyder’s hands went to his belt, to take off the thick black jeans that now felt heavy and uncomfortable soaked with rainwater, and Cal sucked in an involuntary breath. Rhyder glanced up, one eyebrow raised.  

“I—um, I’ll, uh, get you sweatpants?” Cal’s voice went up as he spoke, making him sound uncertain. He absently handed Rhyder a towel, which Rhyder took with a questioning look. Rhyder bent his head and scrunched the towel over his hair. When he looked up again, Cal was still standing there, a puddle of water gathering at his feet. He hadn’t removed any of his clothes aside from his shoes and dark jean jacket, and the clothes were dripping onto the bathroom tile. The bathroom felt painfully small, with no more than a foot between Cal and Rhyder.

Cal wore a white shirt and light blue jeans that were cuffed at the ankle, a flattering, blue-collar-boy look when dry. Now, the shirt left nothing to the imagination. Rhyder could see Cal’s hundreds of freckles through the wet fabric, the pink of his nipples, the tuft of ginger hair above his waistband. Goosebumps had gathered on his arms and Rhyder saw him shiver.

“Do you want me to start puttin’ stuff in the dryer while you get us a change of clothes?” Rhyder asked.

“Sure,” Cal said, trying to make himself look anywhere but Rhyder’s chest.

Neither of them moved.

“Give me your shirt; I’ll throw it in the dryer,” Rhyder said.

“O-okay,” Cal turned slightly as he pulled the t-shirt off. He handed it to Rhyder, trying to ignore his own reflection in the mirror behind Rhyder. The mirror displayed more of Rhyder’s tattoos, the ones that covered his back. He had a traditional style “mom” tattoo over his left elbow, but where the banner that covered the heart usually read “mom,” Rhyder’s said “Glor.” There was a stick-and-poke tattoo on his right shoulder, that Cal was pretty sure Rodrigue had given him.

Distracted by Rhyder’s reflection, Cal jumped slightly when his fingers brushed against Rhyder’s as he handed him the wet shirt. Cal’s eyes flicked up to Rhyder’s, who was gazing at him like he was a puzzle he couldn’t quite figure out but was on the verge of solving.

“Sorry,” Cal muttered.

“You okay?” Rhyder asked. He stepped forward slightly, and Cal felt breathless.

“Fine. Cold. I’m fine,” Cal said. He breathed heavily, his eyes falling to Rhyder’s chest, despite his best efforts.

Neither of them could be sure who initiated it. Maybe Rhyder had taken another step closer. Maybe Cal had impulsively leaned forward, tilting his head up. Maybe they’d leaned in at the same time. Whatever the case, their lips found each other, and Rhyder’s arms wrapped around Cal’s body, the wet t-shirt falling to the floor, forgotten. Their legs touched, the cold, wet jeans the only barrier between them. Cal rested his arms on Rhyder’s shoulders, his wrists crossing behind Rhyder’s head, one hand still holding a fresh towel, the other curling to finger Rhyder’s wet hair. Cal leaned into the warmth of Rhyder’s chest and shivered again as Rhyder’s tongue traced Cal’s lower lip. The wetness from the rain created a friction between their bodies, making their movements slow.

Rhyder took a step back, leaning against the bathroom counter. Cal stepped with him and nearly slipped, his wet socks sliding in the puddle of water of the tile floor. Rhyder gripped his waist, keeping him steady, but the kiss was broken, much to Cal’s disappointment.

“We should probably put on dry clothes,” Rhyder said quietly.

“Probably,” Cal agreed. He wanted to strip off his soaked jeans and socks and go back to kissing Rhyder. Maybe pull Rhyder into his bedroom and get warm under the blankets, letting their bodies generate heat. Why even bother with dry clothes?

Thoughtlessly touching the corner of his lips with his thumb, Cal knelt to pick up the wet shirt off the floor, then grabbed Rhyder’s off the counter and disappeared into his bedroom, closing the door behind him. After returning in old high school sweatpants and a faded Three Days Grace shirt, Cal hardly looked at Rhyder as he handed him a pair of Camp Half-Blood sweatpants and a t-shirt from a 5k run that Cal couldn’t remember actually participating in. He waited outside the bathroom door for Rhyder to change, wondering if he should have lent Rhyder a pair of underwear too. He’d spent a good two minutes standing by his dresser, debating if it was weirder to lend him underwear or to not.

Cal took the laundry room key off the hook by his front door to toss the clothes in the dryer. When he returned, Rhyder was leaning against the kitchen counter, reading the instructions on a box of rice as a way to pass the time. He looked up as Cal entered his peripheral vision.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi,” Cal said, quietly. “The dryer will be done in like an hour. Are you hungry?” he asked, as Rhyder placed the box of rice back on the counter. Cal pulled open the pantry and grabbed a mug, considering making some hot cocoa.

“No,” Rhyder said. “I have a question.” Before Cal had a chance to ask what, Rhyder asked, “Can I kiss you again?”

For a fraction of a second, Cal’s brain shut off. The mug slipped from Cal’s grip, but he caught it before it fell and shattered. With a shaky hand, he gently placed the mug down. His face felt hot and he wondered how embarrassingly red he must be.

Eyes wide, Cal asked so quietly he barely heard it himself, “For real?”

Rhyder frowned, and said, “Huh?”

Cal cleared his throat and looked up, trying to ignore his burning cheeks and ears. “I-if you want?” Cal said, though again, it sounded more like a question.

Rhyder’s calloused fingers touched Cal’s cheek. They were cool against Cal’s burning skin and he involuntarily leaned into them, his lips parting slightly as Rhyder bent his head toward him. Again, he let his body press against Rhyder’s, letting the warmth of his arms and chest encompass him. Everything felt softer without the interference of rainwater, though Cal wondered if he would regret the sweatpants. A thrill ran through him as he remembered Rhyder wore nothing under his pair of sweatpants.

In a moment of boldness, Cal suggested, “Let’s go to my room.” It would be more comfortable than the kitchen, and he didn’t have a couch yet. The bed was the best option.

Rhyder followed without protest, letting Cal lead him by the hand, crawling onto the bed after him. The rain ricocheted off the windows, a comforting soundtrack as Rhyder’s lips found Cal’s again.

[justanoutlawfic]

The Sematary: An Outlaw Queen Ficlet

Summary: When Robin & Regina move to a small town in Maine, she finds a strange ritual takes place in the woods when a pet passes away. Little does she realize she'll be doing the same when she loses someone close to her.

For day 1 of Spooky OQ:  Cemetery. Lovers. A ritual.

Warning: Character Death & Murder take place

Also on AO3

He had done it for her, like he did everything else. Robin had loved the city. Boston hadn’t been his hometown, but it reminded him of London. The kids would learn about taking the train, sidewalk etiquette and never be far from their neighbors. It was important to him. But when Regina got the job offer in the small farm town of Storybrooke, Maine, he said yes. She hadn’t expected him to. Regina was ready for a fight. She had a list of arguments ready: there was a great private school, cheaper housing (not to mention they could live in an actual house) and it was a short two-hour train ride away from Boston so they could visit family and friends at least once a month.

 She didn’t have to go into any of the arguments. Robin just smiled, took hold of her hands and agreed. Because that’s what he always did: make sacrifices for her.

 They moved in the early fall. As their beige Honda headed out of the city and towards the country side, they could see the reds and yellows falling from the trees. Henry and Roland pressed their noses to the glass, giggling as their father went over the bumps in the road. Bryony sat in between them. They got lucky and the 1-year-old slept for most of the trip, her head bobbing up and down all the way.

 Regina’s hand rested atop of Robin’s, glancing smiles at him every so often as they crossed the town line. It was a change for both of them. She had been raised in Boston; he had moved there after the death of his parents. This would be their first time in the country. It would be his first time not working. They had agreed it’d be best for him to be a stay-at-home dad for a bit now that they could afford it.

 “Are you sure this is okay?” She whispered.

“It’s a dream job for you,” he replied. He flashed her a smile that showed off those dimples that Roland had inherited. “Your own practice. You can do whatever you want with it, out of the grips of your mother and Whale.”

 Regina let out a content sigh. She had gone into medicine partially to please her mother, but she had really wanted to do it for herself too. She had spent so long working for Cora’s clinic and dealing with her critical eye. Then there was Victor Whale, the misogynistic partner. Regina loved the patients. She just hated work. Now, she hoped that would all change.

 15 minutes later, they pulled up in front of an old three-story farmhouse. There was a fresh coat of white paint and crooked black windows. A deep ruby barn sat behind the house, clearly having seen better days. The entire property was surrounded by trees that were turning, the leaves sprinkling to the ground.

 Henry and Roland scrambled from their seats, running towards the house. Regina got out, removing Bryony from her seat. Robin stood beside his girls, putting an arm around them. She leaned into him, smiling a bit.

 “We can be happy here,” she said. “Don’t you think?”

“I know we can.”  

****************************************************

Unpacking was probably Regina’s unfavorite task. It was hard enough in a 2-bedroom apartment, but even worse in a big house. Robin was dealing with the upstairs, while she handled the living room and kitchen. Bryony and Roland sat in front of the T.V, their eyes glued. Henry had decided to play outside for a bit to get a break from the “babies”. He was only 3 years older than Roland, but at 8 that must have seemed like eons.

 Regina wiped her flannel clad arm against her forehead before taking a swig from her water bottle. She glanced out the window in time to watch her oldest child head straight into the woods-something she had told him strictly not to do. Regina hopped to her feet instantly.

 “Roland, keep an eye on your sister. Go get Daddy upstairs if you need anything.”

 She waited for a grunt of acknowledgement which is all she could expect from him when it came to SpongeBob. Regina headed out into the yard, walking towards the woods. She had yet to go in there since moving in and hadn’t necessarily planned to.

 “Henry!” She called out. “Henry Daniel! I told you not to go in here!”

 Regina walked further through the trees, her heartbeat picking up a bit. She hopped over logs and mud puddles, shivering a bit in her light flannel. As she turned a corner, she heard some chanting and paused.

 A group of children walked past her. They were dressed in what she had only seen in books from her Native American Anthropology course in college, in all deerskin.  Some wore headdresses with feathers. All of them, however, donned wooden masks shaped like wolves. They were holding something up with colorful sticks. Regina took a closer look and realized it was a dog. A dead dog.

Regina’s eyes widened and she ran as fast as she could past the ritual, calling Henry’s name all the way. She was going so fast, she didn’t realize that she was about to trip over a log until she fell into a pair of arms. Looking up, she found a kind but rough face. The woman had white hair which was pulled back into a white bun. She wore a green camo jacket and khaki pants. Her brown boots were caked with mud, clearly from the woods. Regina stumbled back a bit, causing the older woman to laugh.

“Sorry for scaring you, just wanted to make sure you didn’t get hurt.”

Regina put her hand over her chest, trying to catch her breath. “I’m just looking for my son. Have you seen him?” She gestured halfway up her torso. “Ye high. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, red and grey scarf...”

A familiar voice called out. “Mommy!”

Regina spun around and found Henry standing in the midst of a makeshift graveyard. The stones were misshapen and crooked, all handcarved. A handmade wooden sign in the front of it read “Pet Sematary”. Regina rushed over, pulling her son close.

“Henry! What did I tell you about going into the woods!” She chastised. “It’s dangerous here.”

“I saw other kids and I wanted to play with them.”

Regina’s mind flashed to the procession she had witnessed and she felt a chill run down her spine. “That doesn’t give you a right to come in here.”

“But Mom…”

The older woman stepped forward. “Your mother is right. These woods are not a playground. Those children aren’t here to play,”

“What are they doing?”

She gave him a gentle smile. “They’re burying a pet.”

Henry looked around the cemetery. “Here?”

“No.” She bit her lip and looked off into the distance. “Not here.”

Regina held Henry closer. “We just moved into the farmhouse. Is this part of our property.”

“We share it,” the old woman explained. “It falls smack dab in the middle of our property lines. I’m Eugena Lucas. I live a bit down that way...” She gestured south. “With my granddaughter, Ruby.”

“I’m Henry,” the little boy, piped up. “That’s my mom, Regina.”

Eugena smiled. “Well,” she said. “It’s very nice to meet you both. I’d be happy to tell you all about Storybrooke sometime, just not in the woods.”

Regina nodded, feeling her heart calming a bit. “Sure...that sounds very nice. How about you come to our place for dinner?”

***************************************

The next few weeks were spent adjusting to their new home. Roland and Henry started off at Storybrooke Academy. Regina officially reopened the doctor’s office that had been closed for far too long after the old one had passed. Eugena stopped by for dinner at least once a week, sometimes she’d bring her granddaughter, but mostly she came alone. She explained that she had raised Ruby all by herself. Her daughter, Anita, had passed on, but she didn’t offer more information than that and Regina didn’t want to pry.

One evening while Robin gave the kids a bath, Regina and Eugena sat on the back deck drinking warm cider in the big adirondack chairs. The former’s eyes glanced towards the woods. She hadn’t been in there since that afternoon and yet, she couldn’t take her mind off of it. She had dreams about the children and that dog. The German Shepherd-blood matted his fur-would show up at the house and bark for hours on end until she’d force herself to wake up.

“That procession,” Regina said. “The one I saw the day we met. Why do they do that? You said they’re not burying them in the cemetery you were in.”

Eugena was quiet for a minute, taking a slurp from her mug. “You know the cliff, the one overlooking the cemetery?” Regina nodded. “There’s another graveyard up there. Legend has it that a spirit called Wendigo inhabits it. If you bury your pet there, then they’ll come back to you.”

Regina tilted her head. “Seriously?”

Eugena nodded. “Yes. It’s tradition. The Natives have done it in these parts for years now and it’s passed onto the other locals.”

Regina fiddled with her wedding band. “Have you ever done it?”

Another silence. “Of course not.”

“Eugena.”

The screen door slid open and Roland came running out in his fox pajamas, jumping into Eugea’s lap.

“Can you read me a story, Mrs. Lucas?”

“Roland,” Regina chastised. “I’m sure Mrs. Lucas wants to get back to her home.”

Eugena shook her head and smiled. “I’d love to read to you, sweetheart.” She gathered Roland into her arms and headed back into the house, leaving Regina with more questions than answers.

******************************************

Mischief Night had been busy for Regina during her residency in the ER and nothing had changed in a small town. She spent the night stitching up drunk frat boys and finding trails of toilet paper following in the teenage girls. By the time she could head home, she was exhausted. She still hadn’t recovered by Halloween when it was time for the boys to go out trick-or-treating. 

“Can you just take them?” she asked Robin.

He gave her a look. “Seriously?”

“I worked a double shift last night.”

“And I had to deal with Bryony’s ear infection, help Henry with his Science project and make two dozen cupcakes for Roland’s class party.”

“Robin…”

“No, it’s fine. It’s fine.” He headed for the closet, fumbling through the hangers to find his heavy jacket. 

“Robin.” Regina forced herself out of bed. “If you want me to go, I’ll go.”

“I said it’s fine, Regina.”

“But clearly it’s not, so just talk to me.”

Robin sighed, turning to face her. “This just isn’t what I expected when we moved here, you know? Me basically doing everything alone with the kids. You’re too exhausted to be a part of this family.”

“Robin, you knew that I was going to be doing this practice basically on my own. It’s going to be hectic and crazy…”

“But you have a family. We’re here and we’re waiting for you.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I am so damn proud of you, you have no idea. Sometimes...I just miss the way it used to be.”

Regina frowned as he walked out the door. The truth was, she missed it too. She had just been so obsessed with making everything perfect at the clinic, she had let things slip at home. Regina had taken for granted the fact that he would do anything to make him happy. What had she done to make him happy in awhile? Not anything special. 

That night, she passed out the candy and put Bryony to bed on her own. She lit a few candles and dressed in the only lingerie that still fit her post-baby. 45-minutes after the last flame was lit, she could hear the door open. Robin told the boys to leave the candy on the counter and change out of their costumes before bed. Regina reached over and pressed play on her iPod, allowing the sounds of Frank Sinatra to play. Another 20 minutes later and he was up in the room, doing a double take from the doorway.

Regina got up, pouring out the scotch she had retrieved from the kitchen. She walked over and handed him a glass.

“What is all this?” he asked.

“It’s our Halloween.”

“Regina…”

“I know it’s not going to fix everything...but I want to start.”

Robin bit down on his lip, looking from the candles, to the scotch, to her. “I shouldn’t have exploded at you like that earlier.”

“You didn’t explode and I deserved what you said. I work hard, but our family deserves just as much of my efforts.” She kissed him gently. “I’m gonna make it work. I promise. You gave up so much for us to move here. You always make sacrifices for me...I want to do that for you.”

Robin knocked back his scotch, placing the glass onto the bookcase. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing his forehead against hers.

“I don’t need you to give up anything. I just need my wife more.”

She did her best to attempt to wink, knowing she would fail. It made him laugh, which ultimately made her smile. “Well, your wish is my command.”

***************************************

The next few weeks were spent with Regina learning to juggle life and work better. She managed her hours more, hired some more help and yet, still had time for her family. It wasn’t a perfect situation by any means, but they were finding their way. Her family had adjusted their expectations a bit as well. They didn’t want her to be superwoman and overexert herself. No, all they wanted was their Regina a bit more.

Roland’s birthday came near Thanksgiving. Despite the chill, he insisted on having an outdoor birthday party. Everyone was invited, from the kids in his kindergarten class, to their family from Boston and even the Lucases. They all gathered in the front yard, the kids chasing each other about. Regina leaned into Robin, feeling his heartbeat through his winter jacket. Eugena was holding Bryony with the same look about her she always had when she did. Regina wondered if she thought about Anita when she saw the little girl. Eugena hadn’t spoke of her daughter since that night on the porch and Regina didn’t want to pry into her personal life. Ruby didn’t speak of her mother either, but she had been an infant herself when she passed.

Regina got pulled away from her husband to get the cake ready. As she stuck the candles into the buttercream frosting, she heard a horn blaring from the long dirt road that stretched out in front of their home. Regina looked up to see a single blue ball sitting in the center of the road, a present Roland had received from his aunt Mary Margaret. Roland was sprawled off to the side of it on the grass , looking paralyzed with fear. Regina ran to him, gathering him in her arms.

“Roland, sweetheart, are you alright?” She pressed a kiss to her head. “We don’t chase after balls in the street, you know that.”

Roland didn’t say anything. Regina looked down at him, his brown eyes as wide as the ball in the middle of the road. His index finger was pointed outwards and Regina followed the direction it was pointed to. There was a pick-up truck, now on it’s side. The front bumper was dented and the window shattered. Blood stained the road, looking almost copper. Regina continued looking down as if it were a maze. There was a ditch off to the side and Regina spotted bits of green fluff. Her father had come beside her and she put Roland into her arms, dashing across the road.

Regina knelt in front of the ditch, moving over the body that lay inside of it. As soon as she saw the face, she let out a blood curdling scream. Robin’s face had glass inside of if it and he was bleeding heavily. He wasn’t moving. Regina clung his body closer to her own, the tears falling down her face and the screams continuing to ring out.

**************************************************************

Her father took the kids back to Boston for her, so she could get the house ready. Regina wouldn’t stick around for the sale of it, but the realtor promised it would go fairly quickly. Dr. Shepherd would take over the practice in her absence. The town would move on without her.

If only she could feel like she could move on.

Her heart had a hole inside of it. No, she didn’t even feel like she had a heart. It had been ripped out the day Robin died.

Some witnesses had tried their best to explain what had happened. Roland and his friends had been playing with the ball when it roamed into the street. He went after it, not noticing the truck barreling down the road. Robin had gone after him. He had managed to push their son out of the way, but it had been too late for him.

No matter what they said, Regina knew it was her fault. She had moved them there, to that stupid, quiet town. If they had stayed in Boston, in their 2-bedroom apartment overlooking the water, Roland would have had his party at the science museum. No one would have been put in danger. They wouldn’t have even opened their presents at the party, rather than at home. If they had stayed in Boston, Roland wouldn’t have told Regina that he never wanted a birthday again. Her kids would still have a father.

Regina wouldn’t be a widow.

She had to be selfish. She had to ask him to do it for her. Why hadn’t he put up a fight? Why had he done everything for her? God, why had he been the perfect man?

Regina sat on the back porch, a mug of spiked cider in her hands. She stared out into the distance, thinking of their wedding day. Despite Cora’s wishes for a lavish ceremony, it had been small. Just family and a few friends. Regina wore a white dress that cut off at the knees and Robin hadn’t even put on his suit jacket. They were married by Regina’s med school friend, Archie Hopper, who had been ordained but ordinarily was a psychiatrist. It was simple. She had feathers in her bouquet and her earrings. Maybe it wasn’t what her mother had wanted, but it was what Regina had wanted.

Robin’s funeral had been bigger than their wedding. Everyone was far more dressed up too, though everyone wore black. Regina didn’t utter a single word as she watched the casket be lowered into the ground. She just held Bryony in her arms, Roland’s hand in her free one. Henry was stoically beside her, his childhood ruined by this terrible day.

It had killed Regina to let her father take the kids, but she knew it was necessary to get everything done. Besides, they’d be in good hands. Cora had left Henry Sr. for a rich businessman when Regina was in college, so there was no way the kids would have to deal with her. They would be around Henry and his new wife, other family and friends. Regina wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to hold it together for them at the moment.

Robin probably would have been. He probably wouldn’t have had to move back at all. Hell, he wouldn’t have left Boston in the first place.

“You shouldn’t be alone right now.” 

Regina looked up to find Eugena standing there, lantern hand. “Kids need stability right now,” she muttered. “And that’s not me.”

Eugena settled into the chair beside her. “When I lost my husband...well...that was hard.”

Regina stared into her blue eyes. “You lost a husband and a child. How...how did you move on? Because right now, not a lot is keeping me from wanting to walk into a river.”

“Well, after Alfred, I had Anita. Then after her... I had Ruby. And luckily for you, Regina, you still have your brood. They need their mother.”

Regina swallowed hard, the alcohol tainted cider burning her throat. “Robin was always the better parent. Even back in Boston when he was teaching, he was home more.”

“That doesn’t change a thing. They need you.”

“They need both of us.” Regina bit her lip. She knew she was pushing, but now Eugena was not the only one who had lost someone. “You said once that you never buried someone in that special cemetary, the one that the spirit guarded.”

“Regina…”

“I didn’t believe you. I never said anything more, but I know it’s not true.” Eugena ducked her head. “Is it?”

Eugena’s head stayed on the glowing bulb inside the green wired lantern. For awhile, the only sounds that could be heard were those of the rustling wind and the few birds that didn’t go South for the winter. Regina’s eyes stayed burned on her friend. She held the key to this lock, and to Regina, it wasn’t fair that she was keeping it a secret.

“I didn’t live in the woods when Alfred died,” Eugena said, softly. Her eyes didn’t move from the lantern. “We owned a bed and breakfast in town, along with a diner. After he passed, however, times were tough. I sold both along with the house and moved to the cottage here with Anita. She got pregnant very young, the father of the baby took off. He was scum anyway. I was disappointed and made that abundantly clear. I just didn’t understand why she wanted to keep it. She was a child herself.”

Regina could hear the guilt in Eugena’s voice and placed a hand over her own.

“Henry is only 8, but I can imagine feeling similar if he got a girl pregnant.”

Eugena shook her head. “You’d be kinder than me, Regina. You’re a much better mother.”

“Eugena…”

“It’s true. I made a lot of mistakes. I was so angry with her. I said things...things I wish I could take back.” Her voice shook and in the light of the lantern, Regina could see a tear fall down her face. “Eventually, Anita went into labor. She had a lot of complications and ended up hemorrhaging. Ruby was fine, perfectly healthy. Anita...however…” She trailed off, the tears still falling.

“She died,” Regina whispered.

“I was a wreck. I didn’t know what to do. Anita had insisted on a homebirth and there I was. I had her lifeless body on the bed, Ruby crying in my arms. I couldn’t lose my child.” Eugena wiped her tears. “I had heard of the legend of Wendigo. Before I knew it, I left Ruby with the people who lived here at the time and was dragging Anita’s body up the hill. I buried her there.”

Regina had tears falling down her own face from Eugena’s story. “Did it work?”

“It did. Yes. Anita returned at the cottage that evening.”

Regina smiled for a moment in spite of her tears, but then it faltered. She had never once seen Anita. Both she and Eugena both said she was dead. “But…”

“But she wasn’t the same. There was a darkness about her. She didn’t smile, she never ate. One day, the kitchen nearly burned down. There were reports of murders throughout the town and though I was suspicious, I tried not to blame her. Then one day, I caught her trying to hurt Ruby. That’s when I knew.” Her eyes clamped shut. “I had to put a stop to her.”

Regina’s stomach dropped. “So you…”

“Managed to get one over on her. Gave her a proper burial in the family plot. Told Ruby that her mother died in a car accident and left it at that.”

Regina looked towards the woods. She knew Eugena’s story was a cautionary tale, but she also knew she could get her husband back.

“You can’t Regina,” Eugena told her. “It’s too dangerous.”

“Robin would never be like that.” Regina wasn’t sure if she was talking to her friend or herself. “He’s not capable of evil.”

“It’s not them, it’s the spirit.”

“I could have him back.”

“I know you miss him, I know it’s hard. But you just heard my story. Either way, there’s no happy ending. Just close up the house and go to Boston.”

Regina’s eyes flickered back to Eugena. “My heart feels like it has been ripped out. I don’t sleep. I don’t eat. I have lost my soulmate, my best friend. I can’t go on without him.” She grabbed hold of Eugena’s hands. “Please. You are the only person that can help me with this.”

“Regina, it’s too dangerous. He’ll hurt people.”

“I can make sure he doesn’t! I know my Robin!”

“You know your Robin! Not this version of him!”

“I need him back!”

“Sometimes the dead is better off dead!”

“Would you have let anyone talk you back from bringing back Anita?”

Eugena sighed, pulling away from Regina. She massaged her temples. Regina stayed leaning forward, the tears falling.

“We’ll need two shovels,” Eugena said, after five minutes. “And we need to do this tonight.”

**********************************************

The grass hadn’t even had a chance to grow back where Robin had been buried. The dirt was sleek and wet as they dug it up. Regina was surprised at how fast Eugena was able to work, in spite of her age. They didn’t speak as they dug, getting the dirt and grime all over their pants and jackets. As they flung it forward, it managed to cover up the gravestone and mask the death date. It wouldn’t matter anymore by the end of the night, anyhow.

After two hours of digging, they reached the casket. Regina used a rock to break off the clasp and the top was opened. Robin laid lifeless as he had the day of the funeral, dressed in the suit John had picked out for him to help Regina out. He looked handsome, from the neck down. Meanwhile, the scars from the accident were healing on his face. Regina pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Not to worry sweetheart,” she whispered. “You’re coming home to me.”

The two women dragged his body out of the ground and back to Eugena’s pick up truck. Regina sat in the back, her arms clutching her husband’s corpse, clearly not about to let go anytime soon. She knew she would have to reburry him again but for the moment, he could be hers. His head laid on her lap, her fingers carding through his cold, blonde hair.

Eugena stopped just short of the Pet Sematary and the two dragged his body through it, then up the hill. They stopped every so often to catch their breath or take a swig of water. Regina made sure Robin wasn’t injured any further.

Eventually, Eugena called out to stop. The dimming glow of her lantern showed pebbles on the ground making out crosses. They dropped the body and Regina began to dig. Eugena had explained that it had to be her to do it, or it wouldn’t work. Once it was shallow enough, she gently pushed her husband’s body in and kissed the top of his forehead.

“I love you, sweetheart,” she whispered.

The dirt went back on top of him and Regina turned to Eugena, who looked a mix of exhausted and concerned. Hand in hand, they walked back down the cliff, separating to go back to their homes. Regina thanked the older woman but she didn’t respond.

Once home, Regina took a hot shower and changed into flannel pajama pants and an old band t-shirt that belonged to Robin. She climbed into the chair by the window in the living room and waited. As the hours ticked by, her eyelids grew heavier. She tried to fight it, but found it difficult.  Eventually, she was asleep.

********************************************

Regina awoke to a crashing sound. She fumbled out of the chair and ran to the source, which seemed to be at the back of the house. As she rushed into the kitchen, she nearly tripped over a pair of Robin’s old sneakers and caught herself on the counter. When she looked up, she saw him.

He was wearing the suit they had buried him in, though it was covered in mud. The scar from the accident ran down his face, a reminder of the time he saved their middle child’s life. His hair wasn’t blonde anymore, but brown from all the dirt and rain. He had tracked in water and mess, but Regina didn’t care. Her eyes were focused on his blue ones.

“Robin,” she breathed.

She ran to him, throwing her arms around his torso. His heart beat evenly and it was like a symphony to her. She waited for him to return the hug, but he just stood there.

“Regina.”

His voice was cold. Empty. She had never heard it like that before. Looking up at his face, she couldn’t even see the dimples that Roland had inherited from him. Slowly, Regina pulled away.

“How am I back?” He asked.

“I...I found a way.” She suddenly felt nervous. “Eugena helped me.”

Robin looked around the room. The sun was coming up. “Where are the kids?”

“My dad took them back to Boston after you…” Regina couldn’t bring herself to say it. “You’re back now, so it doesn’t matter. I can get them back.”

Robin walked past her, to the fridge. He stared at a photo of the five of them. Eugena had taken it not long after they moved in. The boys were standing in front, beaming proudly. Robin held Bryony in one arm, the other around his wife. Both he and Regina were smiling. He took it off and continued to look at it for a moment, before crumpling it in his hand. Regina let out a gasp. 

“Robin!”

He looked back at her and his eyes were so cold, it stopped her in her tracks. “You shouldn’t have done this, Regina. You shouldn’t have brought me back.”

Regina stood there frozen for a moment, searching for any trace of her husband. He had to be in there. He had to be somewhere. She had been so desperate in her grief to get him back, that she had done this for a reason.

“I just...I couldn’t go on without you.”

“So, you decided to do this to me?!?” He pointed a finger in her direction.. “For once, could you just consider someone but yourself?!?”

Regina shook. She thought of their marriage. All he had done for her, to be with her. They had moved here, for her. And now he was back, because she couldn’t even let him go.

“Do you know what this is?” he continued, without missing a beat. “Do you know what happened when I crawled out of the ground and felt this urge in my body?” Regina slowly shook her head. “This isn’t the fucking man I was.”

Regina looked closer at his hands and saw blood. That would make sense due to the accident, except it was fresh. Suddenly, she found herself taking three steps back.

“Robin ...you're right,” she reasoned. “This isn’t you. But I know deep down, inside...there’s the man I married. The man I love! The man I couldn’t live without!”

“No.” Robin shook his head. “That man is gone.”

He lunged forward and Regina grabbed hold of a serving bowl, throwing it towards him. It was enough to stun him and allow her time to escape the house. She ran as fast as she could, fear and guilt consuming her. This wasn’t her husband. This wasn’t her Robin. No, this was another person entirely. Like Eugena had said, it was like something had taken over. God, why hadn’t she listened to her? 

Regina ran through the Pet Sematary and got to the Lucas cottage. She burst through the door, calling out Eugena and Ruby’s names. As she made it round to the staircase, however, she found both Lucas women on the ground. Ruby was unconscious, bleeding from the abdomen. Eugena had the knife protruded into her neck, blood still flowing. Regina’s breath hitched,  her hand flying over her mouth.

If the demon had taken over Anita and Eugena had killed its host, then it would make sense why it would come back for them first. Even so, Regina had lost too much over the past few weeks and now, her best friend.

She also knew, she didn’t have a lot of time. Regina went back to the kitchen and took hold of another butcher’s knife, hiding it behind her back. She had to remind herself that this wasn’t her husband. She had buried him a week ago.

Regina made it as far as the sematary when she found Robin waiting by the cliff. He had that smile on his face, the dimples showing. It didn’t match his eyes, though. The baby blues were gone, replaced by darkness. Regina stepped forward, feeling a chill from being out in next to nothing.

“You were selfish,” the demon disguised as Robin declared. “You were horrible.”

“Yes, yes I was.”

“You were warned.”

“Also very true.”

“Why?” He glared down at her. “Tell me why?”

“Because, I was in love. Our story was so damn short. And, I guess it still doesn’t get a happy ending.”

Regina whipped her right hand around and did it without a second thought. Robin’s body collapsed to the ground, the darkness seeping from his eyes. She collapsed beside him, the tears falling down her cheeks. He had only been alive again for less than 20 minutes but it was enough for a second lifetime. Yet in it, he had been possessed and murdered people they considered family.

“Love really is weakness,” Regina whispered.

[the-observant-frisbeetarian]

Chapter 4 - Penny Ante

Catch Perfect by George deValier

CHAPTER FOUR

PENNY ANTE: A frivolous, low stakes game.

Berwald was quickly coming to the realisation that he would have to get used to sleepless nights. After spending ten minutes locating his glasses - which he had knocked to the floor in surprise the night before - he pulled on a t-shirt and jeans, fastened his pocket watch, and managed to drag himself from his alcove. Tino's room was empty, and Berwald hoped he hadn't left for school. Seeing Tino in the morning and evening were already the best moments of Berwald's day.

As he walked down the hallway Berwald noticed a previously closed door left open. Curious, he peeked in to see a large bedroom, completely empty except for a twister mat in the middle of the floor. He took a very deep breath, forced himself to keep walking, and tried not to angrily kick the wall.

Berwald headed down the stairs and out onto the front lawn, picking up a few stray empty bottles on his way to the mailbox. The sun already blazed brightly and, combined with the clear sky, promised a hot day ahead. Berwald deposited the bottles into the garbage bin on the curb, retrieved the mail from the box, and was just flicking through it when someone practically jumped in front of him. Berwald looked up and blinked as though he was being blinded.

"Good morning!"

"Uh… mornin.'"

He was smiling cheerfully. He had light brown hair with one untamed curl flying free. He spoke with an Italian accent. He had no pants on. "Did you really move in with Denmark? Wooooow. That's crazy. You're completely crazy. Welcome to the neighbourhood!"

"Uh…"

"I mean really, I thought I knew crazy, but choosing to live with him is a whole new level of crazy, you know? Wow. I mean really. Crazy."

"Uh…"

"What's your name, crazy man?"

Berwald couldn't hold it in. "Y'have no pants on," he blurted out.

"Huh?"

"Pants. Yer… not wearin' any."

The brunet looked down at himself. "Oh, again. I always forget to put them back on after sleeping or showering or having sex."

"Uh…" Why did every person Berwald meet here throw him off guard? And it wasn't just the house, now. It was the entire street.

"So? Your name?" asked the pantless brunet.

"B'rwald."

"Hello Beryl, it's nice to meet you."

"B'rwald," Berwald repeated.

"I heard you the first time. I'm…"

"Feliciano!" A tall, muscular blond man came running across the street with a frown on his face and a sheet in his hand. When he reached Feliciano he threw the sheet around him and tied it forcefully at his waist. "Mein Gott, you stupid Italian, check the list on the door before you go outside. Item three, pants!" The man glared at Berwald. "Who are you?"

"Ludwig, this is Beryl, he's moved in with Denmark," said Feliciano merrily.

Ludwig raised an eyebrow. "Really? Huh. Good luck with that. Come on, Feliciano, you cannot just stand in the street naked. You're turning into Francis."

"Bye Beryl!" Feliciano waved as Ludwig pulled him insistently across the street.

"It's B'rwald," said Berwald again, though he didn't think they heard him. He cleared his throat and looked at his feet, uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed, even though he was now alone. His first suspicions of this street were fast being confirmed. It was not his sort of place.

Berwald headed back inside and threw the mail down on the side table beside the sleeping Greenland and Faeroe. It contained nothing much of interest except for a few white envelopes with the word OVERDUE stamped in big red letters.

Entering the kitchen, Berwald's heart did a familiar little jump. Tino stood at the bench, stirring a mug of coffee, dressed in a startling combination of pink denim, green stripes, and… camo boots. A yellow SpongeBob backpack sat on the counter beside him. Looking up at Berwald, he started to take a step back, but stopped himself at the last moment. Instead, he smiled timidly and held the mug across the counter.

"Milk and sugar? Is that all right? That's how I made it last time, and you liked it, so…"

Berwald didn't mention that he would have liked it made of mud if Tino had handed it to him. He just took the mug, skin burning where their fingers brushed briefly. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Tino reached for another cup and Berwald tried not to be obvious that he couldn't tear his eyes away. Tino emptying a spoonful of coffee into the mug… filling it with boiling water from the jug… brushing the hair from his eyes which seemed even brighter than usual in the light that flooded through the open window... Get yourself together, man. Berwald took a seat on a bench stool and forced his eyes to focus on the counter.

"I think I'm going to need a lot of this today," laughed Tino, replacing the coffee tin on the shelf. "Did you get any sleep?"

Between Denmark and Norway's deafening and, frankly, horrifying vocalisations, and the subsequent screaming fight that had broken out between Norway and Iceland, he'd barely managed to get any. "Little bit," he answered. "You?"

Tino did not have a chance to answer before Denmark practically bounced into the room, an overstuffed backpack thrown over his shoulder with a thick, pink book poking prominently out the top. He was followed by Norway, yawning loudly and looking like he'd had as little sleep as Berwald. He headed straight for the fridge, ignoring Tino's wave of greeting. Denmark, however, grinned manically.

"Good morning, fellow Scandinavians! Isn't this a beautiful dawn? I am so very cheerful and optimistic about the glorious day ahead! Do tell me how you are this very fine Friday morn!"

"I'm exhausted because you and Norway kept me awake all night having obnoxiously loud sex," Tino replied calmly. Berwald nearly choked on his coffee. "I was a bit surprised, really, 'cause normally on Thursdays you're done in like, fifteen minutes."

"What can I say, Norge baby can't get enough of me."

"Don't be ridiculous, Tino." Norway rifled through the fridge then slammed it shut behind him. "As if I'd ever let that bastard touch me."

Denmark stared at the egg in Norway's hand. "Rule number nine, Norway. Does Mr. Egg have a smiley face?"

"Rule number twenty-two, Denmark. Norway is exempt from all of your stupid rules." Norway turned on the frying pan and cracked the smiling egg into it.

"Rule number twenty-two is still pending examination and approval!"

"Okay, then how about rule number twenty-three. Norway does not give a shit." Norway leant on the bench and looked out the window into the backyard. "And you need to mow the back lawn."

Denmark groaned. "But I don't wanna."

"I don't care. It's like Pripyat out there. Deal with it."

"No."

Norway turned slowly, tilted his head, and raised one eyebrow. "Do it or else." His words were like ice.

"Or else what? You'll give me a spanking?" Denmark flashed a toothy grin and Tino made a small noise of disgust.

"You wish, you freak. Do it or I'll…" Norway's eyes fell on the book poking out of Denmark's bag and he made a sudden grab for it. Denmark quickly dodged but it was too late. Norway triumphantly held the book above his head. Berwald blinked at the cover – a tartan-clad warrior with rippling muscles holding a buxom blond by the waist. He missed the title, but caught the word 'Harlequin' stamped above the picture.

"Don't even think about it," Denmark attempted to growl, but just sounded anxious.

"Do it, or so help me, I will ruin the ending of this piece of trash."

Denmark dived for the book but Norway easily sidestepped out of the way. "Don't insult my story! It's shiny, and romantic, and totally hot, and…"

"I've read things on toilet walls with more literary merit," Norway spat disdainfully. Denmark gasped, hand flying to his chest as though he'd been wounded. "Now," continued Norway, "Promise me you'll mow that lawn or I will tell you exactly what happens to Sir Lifts-a-Lot and Maid Mammaries in minute detail."

"You wouldn't dare!"

Norway opened the book and cleared his throat. "The naive yet feisty heroine is rescued from the band of thugs by the gruff yet gentle highlander."

"Haha, I've already read that bit."

"Is this for real?" Norway muttered, skipping forward a few pages and taking a smooth step out of the way when Denmark tried to rush at him. "And then they have… sex, I believe… of some description. Urgh."

Denmark hand flew to his chest, scandalised. "Before they're even married?" He tried again, unsuccessfully, to grasp the book from Norway's hands. "No! Don't tell me! Give me back my story!"

"And then…" Norway skimmed toward the back of the book. "Oh, man, you're not gonna believe this, it turns out…"

Denmark pressed his hands against his ears. "Don't tell me! I'll do it! I'll mow the lawn! Just don't ruin my glittering beautiful Scottish romance!"

Norway's expression remained unchanged but for the subtle triumph in his eyes. He tossed the book at Denmark, who caught it frantically and clutched it to his chest like something precious and fragile. Norway went back to the frying pan, flipped the egg onto a piece of toast, and carried it from the room. "The lawn, Denmark. By this afternoon."

Denmark stroked the book gently. "It's all right, my precious, I won't ever let him near you again."

Berwald glanced sideways at Tino, who just shrugged and stirred his coffee nonchalantly.

"Sweden." Berwald glanced back to find Denmark staring at him intently. "There has been a slight reallocation of duties. Due to your professional qualifications the backyard is now your responsibility. Any objections?"

"Uh…" Berwald looked apprehensively out the window. He hadn't paid much attention to the backyard since he had arrived. Now that he did he saw that it was an unkempt mess, the grass nearly waist high, the small garden plots around the edge of the fence wild and overgrown. It looked like no one had set foot in it for years.

"I know, I know, it's a bit of a mess. Fin tried to start what he claimed was a garden, but apparently no one ever told him that plants need water."

"I always wanted a garden," said Tino absently. "With herbs and flowers. And a swing." He stared dreamily out the window as he spoke. He seemed to have forgotten he was still stirring coffee. He seemed to have forgotten where he was. Once again, Berwald could not tear his eyes away.

Tino wanted a garden. By God, Tino was going to get a garden.

"Sweden!" Denmark barked loudly. "Rule number eleven, Sweden!"

Berwald blinked and hastily looked away. "Uh, yeah, sure. No pr'blem."

"Great, hop to it, Groundskeeper Willy. That lawn needs to be done by this afternoon. Now if you will excuse me, I have… important study… to do." Denmark slowly left the room, caressing the book and muttering something which sounded suspiciously like, Wish Norway was a highlander...

Berwald's eyes immediately gravitated back to Tino, who still gazed obliviously out the window. "It's not that I forgot to water them, I just kept hoping for rain, and drowning would be so awful. And I couldn't decide whether I wanted flowers or herbs, so I planted them both, but the basil didn't get along with the lilies. Then when the roses withered the daisies died of grief. Maybe it was all for the best." He was still stirring his coffee.

"Um... 'kay." Berwald tried to form a response. "Ye're the first Finn I've met that talks more than me."

Tino looked puzzled for a moment before noticing Berwald as though for the first time. Then his eyes lit in understanding and he laughed softly. "You mean at all."

"'xactly."

Tino laughed again. "My dad always said…" He broke off abruptly.

"Why don't ye live with yer parents?" The second he asked it, Berwald could have kicked himself. Why on earth had he asked that at a time like this, a few days after they had first met, on a sunny Friday morning in the kitchen? Then he wondered if there was ever a good time to ask something like that.

Tino just shrugged and looked into his coffee. "They kicked me out. And told me never to come home again."

"Oh." It was strange feeling, to be suddenly so angry at people he had never met. "Why?"

"They walked in on me kissing my best friend…" Tino took a deep breath, "…Eduard." He raised his eyes slowly, hesitantly, as though unsure of Berwald's reaction.

"Oh." Ohhhh… Oh. "Oh," Berwald repeated. A hundred thoughts and feelings attacked him at once. "S'rry."

Tino looked faintly relieved. "It's okay. Really, it is. I'm lucky Ice got me this place to live. And remember I told you, Eduard lives next door, so I have lots of friends around."

Berwald nodded, still trying to digest the knockout information he'd just been given. Tino had been kicked out of home for kissing a boy. A boy who was his best friend. A boy who, apparently, lived right next door.

"Sorry I'm late, Tino." A young blond in glasses walked into the kitchen, a backpack on his shoulder and a laptop case in his hands. "We'd better hurry up if we're wow, he really is scary, isn't he?" The blond stopped short when he noticed Berwald.

"Eduard!" Tino gasped, dismayed.

A boy who was standing in the kitchen before him. Berwald's hands clenched and he almost felt his eyes flash. Eduard took an immediate step backward.

"Okay, I, uh, hi. Nice to meet you. And I'm backing up now." Eduard whispered loudly through the side of his mouth, "Seriously, Tino, come on…"

Tino drained his coffee, picked up his SpongeBob backpack, and smiled awkwardly at Berwald. "Bye, Berwald."

"Bye, Tino," Berwald replied, not taking his eyes from Eduard backing out of the room nervously. He could hear their conversation drifting back as they left the house.

"He's the guy who's moved in here? He's terrifying!"

"Stop it, I don't think he means it. He's actually really nice."

Watching them go, Berwald couldn't help wondering resentfully what sort of relationship Tino and Eduard actually had. They were the same age, they were best friends, they obviously had far more in common than Berwald and Tino ever would. And yet if they were together, that was their business. What right did Berwald have to feel angry or upset about it? It wasn't like he had a shot in hell with Tino, anyway. All he was doing was torturing himself. Berwald sighed, cleaned up the coffee cups and Norway's mess, then headed to get ready for work. He was already late.

.

That evening, Berwald walked home from work to find the street entrance blocked by several cars - including his own – and the sound of raucous cheering erupting from down the road. He could think of only one explanation.

"Denm'rk."

Resigning himself to the worst, Berwald made his way past the parked cars and towards the house. It looked like the entire student population had turned out to stand in excited groups, staring and cheering at some commotion occurring in the middle of the road. A short, strangely familiar man with shaggy yellow hair wandered up and down the side of the street, waving a small notebook and shouting, "Place your bets!" Drawing closer, the crowd parted, and Berwald got his first look at the focus of everyone's attention.

Surprisingly, it wasn't Denmark. In the middle of the road, two men stood in front of two average sized sedans. Berwald recognised Ludwig, the German he'd met briefly earlier; the other man was not familiar - a tall, grinning blond in glasses wearing an American flag t-shirt. Each of them had a makeshift harness around their chest, connected by rope to one of the cars.

Oh, they could not be serious… Was there a single sane person living in this street?!

"My money's on the German." Denmark's voice carried across the lawn as Berwald walked warily towards his four housemates. Tino smiled and waved, but the others ignored him. Denmark clutched a piece of paper and stared at the two contenders intently. "Can't lose."

The crowd grew noisier, cheering and calling for the race to begin. Across the road, Feliciano stood with a group Berwald didn't know, including a white-haired man who shouted encouragement into Ludwig's ear. Next door, Lithuania and Poland watched the proceedings with Eduard. Berwald had to stop his fists clenching into fists at the sight of Tino's 'best friend.'

"Den, is it really a good idea for you to be betting?" Tino's voice brought back Berwald's attention. "How much do you have on this?"

"Like I said, can't lose this one. Look at the muscles on that Kraut!" Denmark shouted, "Oi, Germany, you potato eating bastard! You'd better win this or I'm going Viking on your ass!"

"Screw you, Denmark," Ludwig shouted back.

"No chance, I know what you're into and even Iceland doesn't go for shit that kinky."

"Not cheaply, anyway," said Iceland flatly.

"How did you get Ludwig to agree to this?" asked Norway in a bored tone. He was, as usual, reading a book – Schopenhauer, this time.

"Remember that barbeque the Germans had last week?"

"The one you weren't invited to but jumped the fence and ate their food and drank their beer and got beaten up by the Hungarian girl?"

"Yeah, that one. I bet Germany he couldn't eat ten sausages in sixty seconds. He couldn't, and here we are."

"And Alfred?"

"Asked him if he wanted to tie himself to a car and race a German. And here we are."

"Den, gambling is how you got us into this mess…" Tino started.

Well, that was interesting. Before Berwald could think too deeply on it, the crack of a gunshot ripped through the air. The green-clad referee held a gun above his head. The race had begun. "Too late now!" cried Denmark cheerfully. "Move it, Germany! Kick some American ass!"

Berwald was rather surprised at how fast the two men moved, dragging the cars behind them. They were obviously both incredibly strong. The crowd went wild, whistling and shouting and waving the small pieces of paper in the air frantically. Feliciano was jumping up and down and waving a German flag. The white-haired man kept pace with Ludwig, shouting at him the whole way.

Loud cries of "Come on Alfred!" came from the next house over where three men, all of them blond and one dangerously close to being naked, cheered from the lawn. One of them, a short guy with a tweed suit and massive eyebrows, walked to the finish line and held something aloft. Berwald squinted; it was a hamburger. "Oh, Alfred!" he called seductively. "If you win I'll let you eat this off my..."

"What the hell?" Denmark interrupted, face turning red as he shouted. "What does England think he's doing?"

The bizarre strategy worked. The American, Alfred, picked up in speed and just moments before the line managed to pull in front of Ludwig. He crossed the line to deafening cheers, happily grabbing the burger with one hand and England's waist with the other.

"The American wins!" shouted the referee. He was immediately swamped by half the crowd pushing their pieces of paper at him insistently.

"Cheating! Lies! Subterfuge!" Denmark stormed over to the finish line and practically blew up in the referee's face. "What the HELL was that?! In what race on Earth is it acceptable to use bribery to get your guy over the line?! I request, nay, I DEMAND a rematch!"

"No one said it wasn't in the rules, wanker," said England, a smug grin on his face. "Now pay up, Vash, I had a hundred quid on this." Alfred simply focused on devouring the burger.

"Oh, this is bullshit!" Denmark turned to the white-haired man beside Ludwig. "Prussia, back me up."

"I hate to do it, but I have to agree with Psycho here," said Prussia angrily. "Honestly, Vash, we were not informed we could use these tactics or we would have had Feliciano naked at the finish line waving a wurst in the air."

Denmark threw his hands out. "You see? Give me back my money, Switzerland, this was rigged!"

Switzerland did not look up from taking papers from those around him and checking them against his notebook. Berwald suddenly remembered where he knew him from: Vash, the Rifle, possibly the fairest and most unbiased dealer in the entire underground card circuit. Berwald barely recognised him without the cloud of smoke and the smell of bourbon. "It wasn't rigged. Your guy lost. Deal with it."

Denmark crumpled his paper and threw it to the ground. "This is not over. Oh, this is SO not over!"

Vash turned his back on Denmark as he distributed the winnings amongst the crowd. "Denmark. Take a deep breath, and ask yourself this question. Which one of us is currently in possession of a gun?"

Denmark paused for a moment then stomped on the ground and marched back, leaving Prussia to take over the argument. "Damn it, damn it, damn it!"

Tino shook his head, glaring at Denmark with a look of frustrated pity. "I told you, Den."

"Great," said Norway, tucking his book into an inner pocket of his corduroy blazer. "Just when I thought you couldn't get any stupider. How much have you lost us now?"

"But that was a sure thing, how the hell did he lose?! Hey Germany, you owe me now. Are you listening? You owe me! And don't think you can get away without paying like you did after 1945!" Ludwig shouted an angry response but Denmark turned his back and ignored him. "Okay, okay, it's all good, I have an idea. Rematch. Can't use the Kraut though. Now let's see…" He paused, turned slowly to Berwald and looked him up and down, excitement dawning in his face.

"No."

Denmark whined. "Come on, Sweden, you're even bigger than that German bastard! You can beat that skinny Yank!"

"No." Berwald looked away and noticed, with a cold jolt of shock, that Ivan had appeared on the next door lawn. He narrowed his eyes and watched as Ivan put an arm around Lithuania and glanced over, smiling smugly. Tino followed Berwald's gaze, and the entire atmosphere shifted. Tino nudged Norway, who elbowed Denmark, who looked from Berwald to the Russian with an almost murderous glare. But the most interesting reaction came from Iceland. A look of pain, sadness, and almost fear passed across his face, and he took a step behind Norway.

"Come on," said Norway quietly. He headed towards the house, his arm reaching for Iceland. Tino followed, but Norway had to bark, "Denmark!" to get the Dane to move. More than happy to leave this uncomfortable situation behind, Berwald trailed after.

They were nearly at the door when Berwald felt a firm, cold hand grasp his arm. He scowled furiously, spun around, and found Ivan Braginski smiling cheerfully, dangerously at him.

"I know your type, Berwald. I know you." The words were a challenge.

Struck still, Berwald silently panicked. His eyes involuntarily flicked towards Tino, paused on the doorstep with the others. But Berwald could play this game, so he kept his face blank, even as he wrenched his arm from Ivan's grip. "Ye know nothin'."

"I know we both live in two worlds. I know you think you can make a clean, honest start. And I know you'll be back." Ivan smirked. "You always come back."

Berwald's jaw clenched so tightly it was painful. Bluff. "Don't know what ye're talkin' 'bout."

"Him?" Ivan nodded at Denmark. "Silly boy. Maniac, who does not know what he is doing." Denmark opened his mouth angrily but Norway silenced him with a look. "But you, Berwald, are a professional. As much as you try to hide it with your nice, normal, respectable job as a… what was it? A cleaner?"

Berwald felt the beginnings of anger in the burning of his neck, the involuntary clenching of his fists. But he could play this game. "Gard'ner."

Ivan snorted. "Of course, a gardener."

"What are ye doin' here?" Berwald leant forward and hissed, hoping he couldn't be heard by those around him. Both his and Ivan's housemates were far too close. "Livin' with these kids, pretendin' ye're normal…"

Ivan laughed outright. "I could ask you the same thing."

Berwald felt a growl rise in his throat. "I'm nothin' like ye."

"Aren't you?" Ivan smiled, and it made Berwald's stomach turn. "I don't think I need to ask what you are doing here." He glanced openly, unmistakably, towards Tino.

Berwald felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Ivan was exceptional at reading people. He hid it behind a smiling face, behind a falsely innocent exterior, but he was not a phenomenal poker player for nothing. Berwald could play this game, but suddenly, it wasn't a game anymore. "Back off, Br'ginski."

Ivan's eyes crinkled in cold, hard amusement. "Do you think he'd look at you twice if he knew who you were?"

Berwald's anger rose higher, heat infusing his cheeks. "I'm warnin' ye." He barely kept his voice controlled; his heart was in his throat, and his veins boiled with rage.

"Criminal." Ivan leant closer, ugly words hot against Berwald's ear. "Do you think he'd blink at you with those big eyes? Smile with those pretty lips?" Berwald was speechless with rage. A vein throbbed dangerously in his temple. Ivan wanted him to react, he was pushing him, but this was…

"You think he'd open those legs for you?"

…too far. Something snapped. Berwald snarled, clenched his hand into a fist, pulled his arm back… He felt it stopped by a strong hand. He turned his head to see Norway gripping his elbow, a warning in his serious eyes.

Awareness slowly seeped into Berwald's brain, until he realised that the entire street had gone silent. Everyone was staring at him. He pulled his arm free, and took a step backwards, the fury in his veins drowning any embarrassment.

Ivan laughed. "Angry boy you've got here. I'd be careful. I don't think even little Ice could handle this one." Ivan smirked at Iceland, hard and cruel, and winked. Iceland fled into the house, Tino following close behind.

Denmark stepped forward, enraged. "I mean it now, you sick bastard, I will rip your…"

"Ivan." Norway's voice was calm, deadly, and it silenced Denmark instantly. He took one step closer to Ivan, levelling a glare that was even more terrifying for its lack of expression. "If you ever, even once, look at my brother like that again – I will kill you. Do not think for one second that I am not serious. Come on, Sweden. Den, move it."

Berwald did not tear his gaze from Ivan's smiling face as he let Norway pull him into the house. His anger refused to subside. Why the hell was Ivan living in this street? Why did those kids live with him? What was going on between him and Iceland? One thing was certain. Ivan did not belong here. But Berwald could not stop the small, nagging voice inside him which whispered, neither do you.

Berwald had taken the job at the university because it was normal. It didn't pay much, but he didn't do it for the money. It was the opposite of everything he was used to, everything he had been involved in for too long. It was a new start, a fresh beginning, a way to put the past behind him.

But Ivan was right. Berwald had not been able to stay away from that life before - how was he supposed to do it now? He could try and run from it, but he would always be a criminal. If Tino knew who he was, he'd want nothing to do with him. Tino should be with someone nice and normal… someone like that Eduard kid. Berwald ignored the way his blood boiled at the thought of it.

Once inside, Norway and Denmark immediately disappeared. Tino and Iceland were nowhere to be seen. Berwald was left standing alone in the front room, slightly disoriented and thrumming with rage.

Greenland looked up from the couch and blinked at him a few times. "Ah. Sweden, right?"

Berwald glanced at him vaguely. "B'rwald."

Greenland waved a hand. "Right, Berwald, right." He stretched and yawned. "Drama on the front lawn, Sweden?"

"Uh… somethin' like that."

"Oh, the never ending Ivan saga." Faeroe sighed, stretching and sending a few empty cans flying to the floor. "This is the only reason I hang around here… better than any soapie, I tell you what."

"What, um…" Berwald felt a little guilty for asking, but he was still so confused right now. "What happened b'tween Ivan'nd Iceland?"

Greenland and Faeroe exchanged a heavy glance. "Really not our place to say," said Faeroe.

"Yeah. We just sleep here," added Greenland.

"You seem angry about something. Everything all right?" asked Faeroe, tilting his head.

Berwald shook his head absently. "It's nothin'."

"Just remember, my friend," said Greenland, "'Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it; you are the one who gets burned.'"

"Yes," said Faeroe, "For 'we are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.*'"

Berwald furrowed his brow, stared at the wall, then nodded tersely. Just when he thought things couldn't get stranger, the guys on the couch start quoting Buddha at him. "'kay. Thanks."

He headed to his alcove. It was small, it was cramped, it was blocked off from the rest of the house by a curtain. But damn it, it was his, and it was one place where he could avoid the entire blasted world. He fell onto his bed, placed his glasses on the side table, and pressed his palms into his tired eyes. Despite everything, he could not shake that feeling. Berwald knew he didn't belong here. He knew he never should have moved in.

But from the second he'd laid eyes on Tino, he knew he didn't have a choice.

.

"Berwald?"

Berwald's eyes shot open at the sound of Tino's voice. He shook himself from his drowsy daze, unsure how long he'd been drifting half-asleep. The sky outside his window was dark. He quickly stood, put on his glasses, and parted the curtain to Tino's side of the room.

A few bright lamps lit the room, and Tino stood at the window, struggling with an old-fashioned pull-down contraption with a latch at the top. He bashed it a few times with his fist before smiling at Berwald apologetically. "The window's caught. Can you help me pull it free?"

Berwald stood still a few moments, heart pounding in his chest. "Sure." He forced himself to move, grasped the top of the window, and pulled. It did not budge.

"Um, you need to hold here..." Tino touched the centre frame of the window. "And hold it steady while I pull this part down."

"'kay."

Berwald held the frame steady. Tino was so close in front of him Berwald could smell his hair and feel the heat from his body. It was making his head spin and his mouth dry; he could not control his breath, his pulse, his thoughts.

Tino pulled on the sliding window and suddenly it flew down, slammed, and Berwald nearly lost his balance before steadying himself at the last second.

Tino laughed, somewhat shakily. "This old house is falling apart!"

Berwald didn't know how to respond, so he didn't. He just looked out at the moonlit backyard over Tino's shoulder… and realised he had forgotten to mow it.

Tino noticed at the same time. "You didn't mow the lawn."

"No. S'rry."

"Don't apologise. Denmark shouldn't make you do the yard."

"I don't mind. I'm goin' t'make ye a garden." The words came out before Berwald could stop them.

Tino turned slowly, his face unreadable. They were still so close, but Berwald did not move. "You're... going to make me a garden?" Tino looked surprised, confused, and slightly flattered all at once.

"Uh. Yeah."

"Why?"

"'cause... 'cause ye want one."

Tino stared at him. Berwald stared back. Surely those violet eyes could not grow any wider.

Suddenly, a devastated scream echoed down the hall, followed by a cry of, "Oh my God, she did what?!"

Berwald realised just how close he was still standing to Tino, and forced himself to step back.

Tino laughed, clutching the lower window frame behind him. "I think Norway just ruined the ending of Den's book."

"Oh. I didn't mean t'…"

Tino smirked. "Den deserves it."

Berwald couldn't help but agree. "What was he readin' anyway?"

"Denmark's got a thing for romance novels. He's on a bit of a historical time-travel kick at the moment."

Berwald didn't know what to say to that.

"Feliks loves them too, but he prefers regencies. Eduard says it's all heteronormative garbage." Berwald felt his fingers twitch at the mention of Eduard. Tino continued easily, "Something happened between you and Ivan too, didn't it? It's just, when I saw the way you were talking with him before… Ivan seems to have that effect on a lot of people. Making them angry, I mean."

What was Berwald supposed to say? He's someone I gamble with illegally and he enjoys ruining my life? "It's really nothin' t'worry about." Then he remembered the way Ivan had looked at Iceland. "Is Iceland okay?"

Tino didn't reply for a moment, face uncertain. He answered slowly. "He's all right. He's tough. Not as tough as he thinks, but still tough. Ivan and him…" Tino stopped. "I'm sorry, I really shouldn't…"

"O'course," Berwald said quickly.

Tino took a shaking breath and looked down at his fluffy purple slippers. "You know how this morning, when we were talking in the kitchen, and I told you how my parents walked in on me kissing Eduard?"

Not exactly something Berwald could forget... "Yes."

"I… I want you to know that I'm not… um, I mean… we're not together. He's not my boyfriend or anything, we're just friends." Tino's cheeks turned an even darker shade of red. "I just wanted to know what it was like… kissing, that is, and…" Tino's eyes went wide and he suddenly seemed to panic. "…and I know you don't care at all and I'm sorry I said anything, please forget it, that was really stupid…"

"No," said Berwald. Sure, it was strange, but… "Nothin' ye say could ever be stupid."

Tino's brows furrowed, and his head slightly tilted. "You're not really that scary, are you?"

"I don't try t'be."

Tino nodded, a little ashamed. "I know. I'm sorry. I must seem so rude to you."

"No. I know how people see me."

"That's unfair though, isn't it? For people to just look at you and think they know who you are. I never thought I would be like that. Not when I know people do the same thing to me."

"But ye're not like that. I think ye see through that."

Tino bit his lip and brushed his hair from his forehead, familiar, endearing gestures that made Berwald's heart twinge in hope and warmth and yearning. Outside the window, a cloud obscured the moon; the room darkened slightly, even with the light of the lamps inside.

"Thank you for helping me with the window."

"Ye're welcome."

"And Berwald, if you find this all too much and choose to move out – I understand. And I'm really glad to have met you. But I... I hope you don't."

Berwald tried to respond, but his throat was completely dry. Tino sounded like he really wanted Berwald to stay, and Berwald physically ached to reach out and touch him. He eventually managed to respond. "I'm not goin' anywhere."

Tino smiled, but he didn't look convinced. "It's probably getting late. Have you been asleep?"

"Sort'f."

Then, utterly unexpectedly, Tino reached out and took Berwald's pocket watch from his front pocket. At the feather touch on his chest, Berwald felt like he'd been struck to his centre; as though his thumping heart could not take much more. Tino did not notice. "It's nearly ten. Guess I should get to bed, too."

Berwald just nodded, speechless.

"It really is a beautiful watch." Tino smiled as he handed it back. "Where did you get it?"

Berwald forced himself to speak. "It was m'fathers, and m'grandfathers."

"Cool, like a family tradition!" Tino looked genuinely interested. "Are you close to your dad?"

Berwald paused a moment. "I was. He's dead now."

Tino's face fell, mortified. "I'm sorry. That was stupid of me, I shouldn't have assumed…"

Berwald had to stifle a snort of laughter at the way Tino kept apologising. "'s'okay."

"No, it's not. I always say the wrong thing. I didn't, I just, I mean…" Tino stopped short, closed his eyes briefly, and took a deep breath. Then he looked directly into Berwald's eyes. "I'm sorry about your dad."

For a few seconds, Berwald couldn't breathe. "Thank ye."

It almost seemed like Tino was going to say something else; but he just blinked, averted his eyes, and turned away. "Goodnight."

Berwald told himself to move, choked out a 'G'night," and disappeared behind his curtain. He put a hand to his chest, feeling it pound heavily against his skin. He was suddenly hot, too hot, and had to tear his shirt over his head, careful to first place his pocket watch on the desk. Then he fell backwards into bed, palms pressed firmly against his eyes.

Berwald no longer cared that Denmark was wildly insane. He did not care that Norway seemed sociopathic. He didn't care that he could not figure out the mystery of Ivan and Iceland. He didn't care about the Buddhist loafers on the couch. All Berwald cared about now was Tino.

Tino, who made it all worth it.

Strange, awkward, breathtaking Tino, who he was deeply, startlingly, desperately in love with.

.

Next Chapter

Disclaimer: This story belongs to George deValier. Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. I own nothing.

[cocochannel00]

Harry with Kids #13 Welcome Home

Kids ages: Connor (3), Rebecca (6 months)

You had spent the majority of the day playing soccer with Connor, your three-year-old boy, while Rebecca, your 6-month-old baby girl, took a nap. Harry and you had decided that living in Los Angeles was too far away from your friends and family and now that you had two kids to worry about so together you guys decided to move to the outskirts of London.

The house itself was nice and cozy, painted a warm yellow on the outside and surrounded by trees in the backyard. The outside shed held all of the boxes at the moment but slowly but surely you could see Harry walking back and forth with the movers trying to shift everything into the house. The house had 6 rooms on the second floor which was good considering you had two kids already and you need at least a guest room in case Gemma, Anne or your parents ever came to visit. Harry has also decided to renovate one of the rooms and make it his home recording studio (he promised to make the walls soundproof). 

You watch from the porch as Connor plays in the grass in the back yard. You sip your tea as he takes a few steps back before speeding the ball towards the tiny goal. He misses by about a foot and the ball slowly rolls into the swimming pool.

It starts to float away and you begin to look for a net to grab it with.

“HARRY” you scream. His footsteps can be heard as he makes his way out through the patio door.

“What’s wrong (Y/n)” he asks back while running his hands on a paper towel.

“Do you know if there is a net or a stick anywhere so I can grab the ball?” You ask while keeping an eye on Connor as he stands in the grass looking at you.

“I’ll get it don’t worry” Harry replies as you start walking back to Connor and picking him up in your arms.

“Harry we need to get a fence around the pool, I don’t think it’s safe with the kids here” you state as you bring Connor into your lap as you sit down on a box lying on the porch.

Harry grabs the net and slowly reels the ball in, “yeah I agree, knowing how mischievous Rebecca is now, imagine her in a couple of months.”

Holding the ball in his hands he launches it towards you and you catch it before giving it back to Connor who begins to laugh. “Daddy come play football with me” he screams as he runs with the ball in his hands.

You laugh along with Harry as he begins to chase your son around the grass. “Ok but I’m gonna win” Harry replies.

You decide to go check in on Rebecca as she was fast asleep on the makeshift bed that was created on the couch. She was peacefully laying under the bright blue blanket while sucking on her pink pacifier. You smile as you leave her sleeping and begin rummaging through the boxes in the kitchen that the moving company had finished placing.

The only thing you could find of use in the box was two Spongebob plates and three Harry Potter mugs. You had yet to go grocery shopping but Harry had brought the essentials earlier this morning: milk, chocolate, bread, ham, and butter. With little to work with you pulled everything out and on top of the counter.

You heard the slide of the glass door and Harry and Connor ran into the kitchen.  Harry grabbed the milk off the counter and poured a mug for Connor before pouring one for himself.

“You sound a little out of breath H. Looks like you’re a bit out of shape” you stated with a smirk

Harry glared before putting the mug down on the counter again, “does it look like I’m out of shape (Y/n) cause baby I could last all night just for you” he replies teasingly as he shows you his defined arms. You roll your eyes before going back to the sandwich making.

You heard a small whine from the living room and you knew it was Becca.  Harry grabbed his mug and walked towards the living room while Connor helped you place the ham in the sandwich.

“Mommy did you see how big my room is! I could fit an elephant in there.” Connor stated with excitement as he jumped up and down on the tile floor.

“Yes baby I did see your room, but I don’t think we can put an elephant in there. Maybe just a couple penguins.” you teased, taking the hat off of his head and running your hands through his sweaty hair.

“Can we mama?” he asked excitedly.

“No we can’t but we can buy some penguin stickers for your room” you respond back as Connor nods and grabs the plate with his sandwich and heads for the living room.

You put everything away and grab the three mugs along with the plate of sandwich and some napkins and bring it all to the living room. There you find  Harry playing with Rebecca.

Your little girl was precious and she seemed to be happily distracted by the maraca that Harry was shaking in his hand. Placing the plate and mugs on the table you came up behind Harry and gave him a peck on the cheek before wrapping your arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.

“She’s been giggling for a bit” he says as he slowly kisses the back of your hand and begins to stand up, leaving the maraca in Becca’s hands.

He picks up a mug and chugs the milk down in record time before wiping the milk mustache on the back of his hand.

“Harry please use the napkin, you’re setting a bad example” you state as Connor follows his father.

“(Y/n) relax, next time I’ll lick it just for you” he adds suggestively as Connor laughs not understanding the real meaning behind the phrase. You glare at him before picking up the plate of sandwiches and taking a big bite out of one of them. Harry tries to grab one but you swipe them away before he gets the chance.

“You can make your own sandwich then” you state as you continue to eat the ham sandwich.

“Mommy don’t do this to me” Harry whines as he clings to your side as you sit on the couch.

“Nope, you don’t deserve any of it” you reply.

Suddenly you heard a slight whine from the couch and realized that Rebecca was probably hungry. As you slowly went to pick her up Harry quickly swiped a sandwich and ate it greedily. You picked up Rebecca and slowly began to rock her back and forth to stop her from squirming as she desperately grasped for your shirt, pulling it down. You laughed at her failed attempts and grabbed the towel that was lying on the couch.

“Connor why don’t you go play with your toys in the playroom, I’ve set them all up” Harry adds as Connor runs out of the room eager to play.

You sit up on the couch and pass Becca to Harry as you pull your arm out of one of the sleeves and pull your sports bra down so that your boob sticks out. Harry quickly passes you a fussing Rebecca and she latches onto your nipple the minute she lays into your arms.

“I’m not gonna lie (y/n), this is the sexiest scene I have ever seen in my life. God, I love you” he states as he leans in and kisses you as Becca gurgles. He deepens the kiss more until you let out a moan. He slowly separates from you and leans his forehead on yours.

“I love you too H, but I’m pretty sure you just like to see my boob out in plain daylight” you state as you planted a soft kiss on his nose.

He groans quietly, “(Y/n) why do you have to do this. I’m here professing my love for you with sweet words and you have to go and ruin it. Try and be more of a romantic for once please”

You laugh as Harry throws himself on the other couch with an exaggerated sigh and waits for you to be done. Rebecca’s eyes slowly start to close and her sucking had come to a stop. You carefully detach her while shoving your boob back into your sports bra. Harry comes and carefully picks Rebecca up before placing her on his shoulder and grabbing the towel from your lap. He begins to burp her slowly and you watch as your husband patted her back carefully.

“That’s it baby girl, good job” he whispered as Rebecca let out small little burps. Once he was sure she was done he placed her on the couch he was sitting on and wrapped her in a blanket.

“I have a surprise for you later but I want to wait till the little one wakes up and Connor settles in,” Harry states as he gets up and starts moving the last couple of boxes up the stairs.

“What is it?” you ask as you walk up the stairs behind him with Rebecca in your arms 

He laughs as he puts the boxes down in Rebecca’s room. His grabs your hips and pulls you closer before placing a kiss on your nose. You wrinkle your nose and slap his chest before looking up at him and saying, “Harry you know I hate surprises, just tell me”.

“Nope, I think you can wait a little longer” he stated while smiling down at Rebecca.

You groan and carefully place your baby girl in her crib before you start walking down the hall. Before you make it to Connor’s room Harry grabs you from behind and you squeal as he pulls your back into his chest and plants kisses all over your cheeks.

“I love you (Y/n)” he whispers in your ear as you lean into him more.

“I love you too Harry ” you whisper back before pecking his lips and walk away towards Connor who is playing on the ground with a bunch of legos. You walk around him and turn the music up on your phone before starting to put all of his clothes into the drawers.

6 hours later…

Harry decided to order pizza for all of you as Connor was getting hungry. You picked up Rebecca out of her crib and began to breastfeed her as Harry and Connor got the drinks and food out of the car from their trip to the grocery store that afternoon.

They both walk in as you are burping Rebecca on your shoulder. Connor sits down next to you and began eating a piece of pizza. You sat Rebecca in your lap and handed her a pacifier. Harry passed you a slice of pizza and you took a bite before turning to Harry and pecking his cheek as a thank you. As you ate  Harry told Connor all about the song he wrote with Uncle Niall. You watch both of your boy’s interaction and begin to laugh when Harry begins to tell stories of his time on tour with One Direction. 

Once you had all finished, Harry took the dishes and the empty pizza box to the kitchen. When Harry came back into the room he told you to grab your coats as it was getting chilly outside.

“Why?” You asked as you began to pull coats from the rack.

“Don’t you worry, besides it’s a surprise” he stated as he helped Connor zip up his coat as you grabbed Rebecca and wrapped her up in her coat and beanie. Connor grabbed Harry’s green beanie (that’s to big for his head) and puts it on as well.

“Do you want to bring the stroller?” You asked as Harry put on his shoes.

“Nope, the stroller wouldn’t be good where we’re going. Just us, no bags, no phones, no worries” Harry replied as he grabbed Rebecca and bounced her up and down on his knee.

You grabbed one of Harry’s old sweatshirts and slipped it on before quickly tying your sneakers and heading towards the door. Harry locked the door behind him as he came out with Becca in his arms. Connor ran up to you and held your hand as walked next to Harry who headed towards the woods behind the house. You were quite confused by this but chose not to question any further.

The sun was starting to set but it would be a while before it became night. You trekked through the leaves and between trees until Connor suddenly stopped.

“Mommy I’m tired, how much longer” he whines.

“I don’t know baby but do you want me to carry you?” You asked as he nodded vigorously.

“It’s not much longer buddy, don’t worry. Here I’ll carry you on my shoulders while mama carries Becca. Deal?” Harry asks as he passes Rebecca to you and you cradle her in your arms as you wrap the blanket you brought tighter around her body.

“Be careful with the low branches Harry and Connor. I don’t need either of you getting hurt.” You stated.

“Yes mum” they both saluted as they continued to go deeper into the woods.

After walking another 10 minutes Harry turned to you and told you and Connor to cover your eyes. You looked at him skeptically but he just smiled at you and kissed your cheek before he grabbed your free hand and began to slowly guide you forward.

“Ok, you can open them,” he says. Perhaps one of the most beautiful places you had ever seen was right in front of you.

“Oh, Harry” you whispered as your eyes started to gloss over at the beautiful view. You had never seen a lake more beautiful than the one right in front of you.

Harry had put Connor down while you stared in awe at the sunset that reflected into the water below. He was now playing at the edge of the water.

“Connor don’t go into the water please, you can play along the edge,” you told him as he nodded his head as he picked up some pebbles near the edge. Harry wrapped his arms around you from behind and placed his head on your shoulder as he made faces at Rebecca causing her to giggle.

“Do you like the surprise?” He asked while kissing your neck softly, nibbling on your sweet spot.

“I absolutely love this surprise, one of the best ones you have ever given me.” You replied leaning further into his embrace.

“Even more than the surprise of my proposal?” He mumbled as he continued to attack your neck while keeping an eye on Connor.

“Almost as much although it looks like you planned this one better” you stated as you wiped the stray tears from your eyes.

“I get it I should have thought it all through before proposing but I did have this all planned out. I was thinking a tire swing on this tree right here that way when all the kids grow up they can use it to jump into the water. Then I thought about getting a couple of four wheelers and also ordering a giant-” he rambled until you grasped his face and smashed your lips to his softly.

“This all feels surreal right now and I don’t know how you found this house and this lake but I absolutely love it but more importantly I love you” you stated as he turned you around so you’re facing him. He grabbed your face and pulled you in for another kiss. He tried to deepen it but Rebecca began pulling at your sweatshirt and fussing around in your arms.

Harry groaned at the spoiled moment and you laughed at him as he sighed and kissed Becca’s head, “you just have to ruin daddy’s fun don’t you” he mumbled.

“Connor come on we have to head back bud,” Harry said as Connor ran towards you with a rock.

“Look at my cool rock daddy, can we keep it,” Connor asked.

Harry nodded his head as he grabbed Connor and swung him over his shoulder, causing Connor to squeal and giggle. 

After a fifteen minute walk back you all made it back to the back porch with a sleeping Connor and Rebecca. 

Harry slowly opened the back door, “welcome home everyone” he whispered as he began to walk towards the couch. The warmth of the house enveloped you into it. After putting the kids to bed you and Harry spent the night cuddling on the couch wrapped in each other’s arms. It was good to be home. 

[imdolaneless]

Platonish? Pt.2 (G.D.)

Summary: Y/N and the Dolan twins have been best their whole lives, they were basically attached at the hip, however Y/N’s friendship with Grayson has always been slightly different from her’s with Ethan, something that’s been stirring up problems in their relationships despite the fact their completely platonic or at least… platonish  

A/N: here it is guys, I know it took me like 90000000 years to write this but it’s finally done, I struggled so much writing this for some reason idk why, but I worked really hard on it and even though I don’t love how it turned out I hope it doesn’t disapoint, (also heads up she’s a thiccy)

Warnings: you guys already already know I fucking swear

Word Count: 9136

MASTERLIST

Part 1 / Part 2

2 months. It had been 2 months, since the night Jenna cheated on Grayson. 2 months, since he came to me as a friend broken hearted and in need of comfort. 2 months, since I drove him out to my special spot to watch the stars. And most importantly, 2 months, since I realized I was in love with his dumbass. Something that I had somehow managed to keep a secret over the past 8 weeks. Needless to say it was 2 of the longest months of my life.

Since the breakup Gray and I had been spending a ridiculous amount of time together. Which to be honest is extremely confusing for me. On one hand, I love spending time with him, just being around him makes me feel lighter and happier. On the other, I am not about this whole cliché unrequited love bullshit that I'm dealing with, and the more time I spend with him the harder it makes it for me to move on.

I sighed, collapsing on my living room couch listening to the roaring of the storm outside. I watched as flashes of lightning illuminated the sky, allowing myself to get lost in the unique rythme of the downpour. But my thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of someone aggressively pounding on my door.

I reluctantly got up, and opened the door to reveal a very wet Grayson, fist clenched in mid knock.

"Took you long enough" He grumbled, pushing past me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked closing the door behind him.

"It's monday, we're supposed to watch the bachelorette" He shrugged, pushing his soaking wet hair out of his face.

"Where's Ethan?"

"He's facetiming Maddie and then he'll be right over..." He shivered, his teeth chattering.

"Look at you, you're soaked" I said gesturing, to the puddle that was slowly starting to form beneath his feet.

"Really?! I hadn't noticed!" He said sarcastically, his teeth chattering.

I rolled my eyes at him, "Just wait here smartass."

I left him standing in the front entrance, while I went to go make some hot chocolate. Once that was done, I grabbed a white fluffy towel from the nearest bathroom, before heading back . When I returned he was staring at his phone, brows adorably furrowed in concentration.

I gently placed the two mugs on the counter top before drawing his attention to me asking, "Who're you texting?"

"Eh, no one important" he shrugged with a small smile.

I found it a little weird that he was being so vague with his answer seeing as he was usually so open about everything, but I brushed it off. If it was important he'd tell me.

"Okay, well then catch." I said tossing him the towel.

"Thanks," He smiled wrapping himself up.

"No worries," I said passing him his cup.

He eyed it suspiciously, "What's this?"

"It's hot chocolate relax" I rolled my eyes.

He smiled gratefully, taking a sip.

Gray moaned in appreciation, "You're the best, what would I do without you?"

"Probably crash and burn" I teased, as he took another sip.

"Yeah you're probably right" he agreed, smiling dimples and all, and I swear it knocked the air straight out of my lungs.

My throat went dry, and I look down at the floor suddenly very focused on my feet, resenting the whirlwind of butterflies that had suddenly taken over my stomach.

"Do you want me to see if I have one of your hoodies somewhere that you could change into?" I offered, in a lame attempt to change the subject and ease some of the awkwardness I was feeling.

"Yeah that'd be ni- hold on, is that mine?" Grayson smirked, gesturing to the deep purple crew neck currently adoring my torso hanging till about my mid thigh.

I looked down, running my thumb over the tiny champions logo on the sleeve. "Huh, yeah it is I didn't even notice" I shrugged.

"I've been looking for that one everywhere, how long have you had it?" He asked, trying his best to look pissed, but failing miserably.

"I don't know a few months maybe? Since before you and Jenna broke up for sure" I replied.

"Well can I have it back?"

"What right now?" I asked taken aback.

"Yeah that'd be nice..."

"Are you serious?!"

Gray smirked, yanking his wet black tee shirt over his head revealing his toned abs, before extending his hand expectantly.

"Asshole." I scoffed, shaking my head. My heart was hammering against my ribcage as pulled off the sweater.

"Wait Y/N no I was just jok-" He trailed off, his eyes raking up and down my body. "...fuck"

Cheeks flushed, I dropped the bundle of fabric into his out stretched hand. "Here."

All the playfulness that was previously present, now gone replaced by tension. Grayson's beautiful hazel eyes darkened, mixed with what looked like lust and something else I couldn't quite place. I saw him glance down at my lips for a millisecond before taking a small step closer. He gently tucked a lose strand of my hair behind my ear, his hand caressing my cheek. I swear I felt my heart stop, he opened his mouth to say something but before he got the chance, my front door swung open with a dramatic crack of thunder revealing the third member of our trio, Ethan.

We immediately jumped away from each other, staring at Ethan like deer trapped in headlights.

"Okay what the fuck did I just walk into?! Why are you both half naked?!" Ethan exclaimed gesturing to Grayson and I.

l cleared my throat awkwardly, crossing my arms in an attempt to cover myself up.

"It's not what it looks like"Grayson mumbled blushing furiously.

"So you and Y/N weren't both shirtless in her front hall looking like you were about 5 seconds away from a pregnancy scare?" Ethan smirked raising an eyebrow.

I opened my mouth to argue, when I actually took in what Ethan was wearing, "Dude why the hell are you wearing a rain smock?" I giggled, he was enveloped in one of those yellow garbage bag like things that they give you at places like Niagara Falls, the hood covering his hair. Needless to say he looked ridiculous.

"Okay, first of all. It's a rain poncho not a rain smock, there's literally no such thing as a rain smock. Secondly, have you looked outside because if you have you might've noticed, it's actually raining! Sorry I'm not a freaking fish and I didn't want to get wet." Ethan huffed.

Grayson and I exchanged a look and burst out laughing.

"Bro you look ridiculous" Grayson chuckled.

"Kind of like an angstier version of Coraline" I agreed.

"Word, or like a walmart version of that sketchy sailor from spongebob."

"Okay enough," Ethan playfully glared at both of us, "I'm not the one who needs to explain my choice of outfit here, especially since I seem to be the only one actually wearing clothes" he scolded.

Ethan had an amused smile on his face, but I could tell he was starting to get fed up with our bullshit, the poor kid just wanted answers and rightfully so. However that didn't stop me from losing it every time I looked at him for too long, I think the fact he was still wearing a hood was too much for me.

"Y/N!!!!" Ethan whined.

"I'm sorry E but I just can't take you seriously with that thing on" I laughed.

"Okay enough about the poncho" He snapped, harshly yanking it off. "All I want to know is why you're wearing nothing but a bralette and adidas shorts while Gray's shirtless. I mean I know you guys have been hanging out a lot recently, so if you're togeth-"

"Relax dude, I was just wet from the storm because unlike you I didn't feel the need to wear a rain smock" Gray started cutting ethan off.

"Rain poncho but go on" "...and Y/N happened to be wearing one of my sweaters, and I jokingly asked for it back when she offered to get another one for me to change into, she took it seriously and here we are. It's not that deep" Grayson finished explaining.

Ethan looked at me for confirmation before saying, "Are you sure that's it because, when I walked in things seemed kind of... intense"

"Between me and Y/N?" Grayson raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah man I don't know, on my life it looked like you were about to kiss or something" Ethan shrugged.

Grayson laughed at this, "Us? Come on you know that would never happen in a million years, we're completely platonic"

Well that hurt.

"Yeah exactly, we're just friends" I agreed weakly, trying to ignore the stabbing pain in my chest.

"See?"

"Uh huh..." Ethan mumbled his eyes focused on me, like he was searching for questions or something that only I could answer.

"Okay well I'm going to grab a shirt then I guess we can start the bachelorette..." I said, I was starting to feel exposed under Ethan's gaze and not because my current lack of clothing.

____________

15 minutes later we were all squished on the living room couch, watching  yet another group of guys argue about 'who was really there for Becca'.

I was sitting in between the two boys, Ethan as always was getting really absorbed in the show. However Grayson seemed distracted. He was checking his phone every 5 seconds, and it was constantly buzzing. I tried to ignore it, telling myself it didn't matter what Grayson and that I couldn't care less about who was blowing up his phone. But as the episode progressed it got harder and harder for me to block it out. I made it till the rose ceremony, Becca was just about to give out the final rose when Grayson's phone buzzed for about the 100000000th time this evening.

"K bro seriously who are you texting?" Ethan asked his tone laced with annoyance.

"I'm not texting anyone" Grayson lied.

"Bullshit, your phones been going off nonstop this whole time. Which is weird because the only two people you text religiously are right here"  Ethan scoffed.

Grayson opened his mouth to protest, but Ethan raised his hand to stop him, and continued to say, "So if you're not texting me, and you're not texting Y/N, who the hell is so important that they have you practically glued to your phone, because I think we both know damn well it's not mom or Cameron."

Grayson looked down, an embarrassed smile graced his features, "Her names Nicole..." he blushed. "We've been talking for awhile and I don't know..."

My heart started beating faster as I was filled with dread.

"Well are you into her?"  Ethan asked.

"Honestly? Yeah I kind of am..." He smiled, his cheeks still tinged pink.

My face fell, and it felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. I listened in absolute horror to Ethan teasing Grayson as he continued to gush about this girl. I tried my best to mask my emotions, but the amount of hurt I was feeling was making it incredibly hard.

"Are you going to ask her out?" Ethan asked with a small smile.

"I don't know dude we'll see, I'm supposed to meet up with her later tonight so hopefully that goes well" Grayson grinned, pushing his floppy brown hair out of his face.

"Well good luck bro, I'm happy for you" Ethan chuckled.

"Thanks," Grayson said checking his phone for the time, "I've got to get going though, I'm supposed to pick her up in 20 and I want to change first, I'll see you guys later"  He got up, his eyes still glued to his phone.

"Bye Gray" I said softly.

"See you at home" Ethan said, but he looking at me with that same intense stare from earlier, like he was trying to figure something out.

Ethan stayed silent, waiting until Grayson was gone, before saying "You okay? You look a little sick..."

"Yeah I'm fine, just tired" I said lamely, avoiding eye contact.

"You're a terrible liar Y/N" he clicked his tongue.

"I don't know what your talking about" I sighed.

"Oh really? So you expect me to believe you went from being more or less fine, to looking like someone just told you you're whole family had been murdered and you're the prime suspect, in the matter of 30 seconds because you're 'tired'"  He said raising his eyebrows skeptically.

"Framed for the murder of my family? That's a new one, most people would just go with the classic 'just saw a ghost' expression. Props for creativity E" I said avoiding the subject, starting to tidy up the mess the boys and I had made.

"Cut the crap Y/N you've been off all night what's wrong?"

I grabbed mine and Grayson's hot chocolate mugs, heading to the kitchen "Nothing's wrong like I said I'm just tired"

Ethan's footsteps followed close behind me, as I placed the empty cups in the sink.

"Why won't you just tell me the truth?" he asked, pushing himself up to sit on the counter.

I just ignored him, turning on the sink filling it with hot soapy water as I started to do the dishes.

"Does it have something to do with Grayson? Did he do something?"  

I could feel my heart rate speed up, as I focused all my attention on scrubbing the plate in my hand. "Don't be ridiculous..."

"Okay so it is about Grayson..."

"No" I lied.

"Why can't you just tell me it's not like you're in love with him or anything"

I froze, my heart pounding.

"Oh my god..." He said realization taking over his features. "You are aren't you? You're  in love with Grayson!"

I dropped the plate in the sink, soap and water flying everywhere, "What?!" I squeaked, my voice cracking.

"Holy shit you are!" He hopped down.

"Shut up I am not! " I argued taking a step back trying to distance myself from him.

"Y/N..."

"Ethan seriously i'm not in love with your stupid brother" I lied, turning away from him to wipe up the spilt water.

Ethan grabbed a towel and started helping me, "Deny it all you want, but like I said, you're a terrible liar and you're not fooling anyone"

I sighed in defeat, looking up to meet his gaze "What am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know, grow a pair and tell him?" Ethan suggested.

I laughed humourlessly "Yeah okay, and when he inevitably rejects me therefore ruining our friendship for all of eternity then what?"

"Wow, and I'm the extra one."

I glared at him.

"What makes you so sure he's going to reject you?"

"Come on Ethan I'm not naive, I know damn well he doesn't feel the same way. In his eyes we're as platonic as it gets"

He scoffed, "Okay what is with you two and that word? Both of you continuously use it as if you say it enough it'll somehow become true. Though you guys may not have realized it, you guys are not, never have been, never will be, 'platonic'. Platonish, maybe but don't kid yourself. There's always been something more than friendship there and you're blind if you think it's one sided"

"I'm not telling him, and neither are you" I said stubbornly.

"You're making a mistake" he sighed.

"Yeah well what else is new."

Ethan and I finished cleaning up in silence. I could tell he was disappointed with my decision but I honestly didn't care it was for the best.

_______________

It was pretty late by the time Ethan left, so I was already in bed when Grayson texted me.

Gray :): hey, u up?

I stared at the three words displayed across my screen, getting more and more frustrated with both Grayson and myself. Why does he think he can just text whenever he feels like it and I'll automatically be there? The days of me dropping everything for Grayson are over. It's 3 a.m. whatever he wants can wait till the morning, which is when your average friend would be up. I slammed my phone down onto my bedside table with a new found resolve, I would not be a love struck puppy anymore and I would treat him like I would any other friend. Of course all this lasted for all of about 5 seconds, before I caved.

Y/N: yeah, what's up?

Gray :) : come outside.

I sighed, pushing off my covers, grabbing a hoodie from my closet before making my way downstairs as quietly as possible, as to not wake up the rest of my family. I opened the front door to find Grayson perched on my porch steps.

"What are you doing here" I asked, sitting next to him. The storm had left a chill in the air, making me shiver as I pulled my hoodie tighter around me.

"Couldn't sleep." He shrugged, turning to face me.

"How'd your date go?" I asked trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice.

"It went." He said, his beautiful hazel eyes clouded with something I couldn't recognize.

"Was it really that bad?"

He shrugged, "No it was fine it's just... I don't know..."

"Oh. Well are you going to go out with her again?"

"Not sure, what do you think I should do?" He asked, he looked conflicted and I could practically see the internal battle he was having with himself, though I couldn't figure out what had him so confused.

"Well I think you should do whatever makes you happiest, and you seem to really like her so why not give that relationship a chance."

"Really?"

Yeah no, I think you should tell Nicole to fuck right off and date me instead because i'm hopelessly in love with you and honestly i'm shocked you can't see it.

"Yeah really, if you think she's good for you and she'll make you happy then I'm all for it." Lies.

"Hmm okay, thanks" He said standing up.

"What is that it?"

"Yeah it's getting late I'll see you tomorrow" He shrugged.

"Hold on did you seriously drag my ass outside in the middle of the night, just to ask my opinion on a girl i've never met?" I asked dumbfounded, as he started to walk away.

He stopped and turned back to face me one last time, "I'll see you tomorrow Y/N" he smirked.

"Wow I hate you."

"You love me."

Little do you know Grayson, little do you know.

____________

I stayed up almost all night, my mind racing with different scenarios and a million what if's, all of which involved Grayson. Shocking, I know. Everything with Nicole was messing me up more than I thought it would, and they'd only been on one date. I can't even imagine how bad I'll be if they end up getting into a serious relationship.

I wanted so desperately to be okay with this to be able to move on, and I honestly thought I could do it. I believed I could watch him start a relationship, and fall in love with someone else and I'd be fine. Unfortunately, the more I actually pictured it the more unbearable ththought became. Which after many hours of thought lead me to the terrifying conclusion that Ethan might actually be right. Unless I want to remain trapped in a purgatory of pining and pain, I'm gonna have to do the one thing I planned to avoid at all costs. I have to tell Grayson I'm in love with him.

I had plans to hang out with the twins and Maddie in the evening, but I decided to come earlier in the day so I could hopefully catch Grayson alone making it so there were less opportunities to chicken out. I stood in front of the familiar front door trying to build up the courage to knock, which is stupid if you think about it because nine times out of ten I'd just barge in. Today was different. Today for probably the first time in my life,  standing on my best friends doorstep I was nervous. Forget about butterflies it felt like every living creature had gotten together to throw a rager in my stomach. I anxiously fidgeted with my hair tie that I always kept around my left wrist. I had probably been standing here for a solid 5 minutes now and it was definitely starting to look suspicious.

I closed my eyes taking a deep breath. I could do this, rule number 1, don't be a bitch. So before I could overthink myself out of it, I lifted my fist and knocked on the door.

Not even a full ten seconds later I was greeted by Ethan, "Oh shit, hey Y/N what're you doing here?" he asked awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

"I need to talk to Grayson." I replied avoiding eye contact.

"Cool, about what?" He said, glancing behind him still blocking the door frame.

"Well after some thought, I decided you were right..."

"Right about...?" He mumbled, clearly distracted by something or someone else.

"What do you think Ethan?" I asked sarcastically, his strange behaviour starting to put me even more on edge then I was before.

"Oh my god you're gonna tell him how you feel..." He said, shock and realization taking over his features.

"If you ever let me in your house" I halfheartedly teased about the fact his body was still blocking the entrance.

"No, no yeah totally, or we could grab breakfast or something first. Talk everything through, you know make sure you're ready?" He suggested.

"Honestly Eth I'm kind of scared shitless right now, and I just want to get it over with. After though I doubt I'll want to stick around so we can grab Maddie and go?" I said making a move for the door.

"Yeah okay I'll text her." He said pausing to get out his phone, "Or actually you know what would be even better? If we went now, yeah now that I think about it let's just go now"

At this point, I was starting to get annoyed I mean just yesterday he was practically begging me to tell Grayson I was in love with him. Now when I finally decided I was ready to do it was like he was doing everything in his power to stop me.

"What is up with you today? You're acting weirder than the time after Gray and I accidentally walked in on you and Maddie"

His cheeks turned pink at the memory, "I'm just hungry Y/N is that a crime?"

"Then grab your girlfriend and go get food and if you want I'll meet up with you guys later, now if you could just excuse me" I said rolling my eyes, before ducking underneath his arm and pushing my way into the house.

I started walking towards the living room, but before I could take two steps, Ethan was in front of me.

"Seriously E?!" I huffed, this was getting ridiculous.

"He's not even home right now" He tried, but I could tell he was lying through his teeth.

"Oh yeah," I said narrowing my eyes suspiciously, "where is he then?"

"Uhhh," he started his eyes fleeting to the living room for a millisecond before returning to meet my gaze, "he went for a run?"

"Uh huh, yeah okay well I'll just wait for him in the living room then" I said pushing past him yet again.

Ethan caught my wrist is his hand causing me turn around to face him, "Y/N please, let's just go you can tell him later" he said his eyes pleading with me.

I stared at him for a few seconds, before indignantly yanking my hand out of his grip and  strutting into the living room.

"No Y/N wait, don't-" Ethan tried to warn me, but it was too late.

I stood frozen in horror taking in the scene before me. I don't think I've ever regretted anything more than I regret ignoring Ethan just now. Because there sitting on the sectional, was Grayson but he wasn't alone. Oh no, he was currently being straddled by someone who I could only assume was Nicole, in the middle of a very heated make out session.

They pulled apart almost immediately once they realized I was there. Nicole looked confused and startled, while Grayson looked shocked.

"Y/N" He breathed gently pushing Nicole off of his his face consumed by guilt.

I felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs. It was like I was trapped underwater, everything happening in front of me distorted. I could see Grayson's lips moving but everything coming out of his mouth sounded muffled, same with Nicole. It felt like I was drowning.

I guess they noticed something was up, because Grayson was now saying something directly to me.

Yet still my brain couldn't process it. It wasn't until I felt Ethan's hand on my shoulder that I finally snapped myself out of it.

"Y/N did you hear me? I asked if you were okay" Grayson said, his eyes searching mine for any indication as to why I was acting like this.

Slowly I looked down at Ethan's hand, then back up at the twins. Both sets of matching hazel eyes focused on me, Ethan's gaze sympathetic, Grayson's filled with guilt and concern.

I realized they were waiting for me to say something, so I cleared my throat before forcing a smile and saying "Peachy, sorry I interrupted your date" I forced a laugh, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "And you must be the infamous Nicole" I continued turning my attention to the stunning brown eyed girl who was nervously playing with the ends of her thick dark curls, looking incredibly confused.

"Yeah, and you're the best friend right?" she asked politely.

"Yeah, Y/N, nice to finally meet you" I smiled, pushing away the overwhelming urge to cry.

"You too, and wow sorry if this is a weird thing to say but you're so pretty, and I love your outfit" she smiled genuinely.

"Thanks so much I love your dress, it's like yellow was made for you" I complimented, my heart aching.

Of course she was nice, god forbid she's gorgeous and a bitch.

Her kindness however was only making things worse for me, I needed to get out of here, before I have a complete breakdown. "Well, I came to see if Grayson wanted to hangout but clearly you guys are busy so I'm gonna go but it was nice meeting you Nicole" I said my voice cracking, and I quickly turned to leave practically sprinting out of there.

"Y/N wait!" Grayson called after me but I was already halfway out the door.

"Bye guys" I yelled before slamming the door behind me, I could already feel the tears starting to fall.

I heard the twins loudly arguing about something is the distance, then Ethan burst out the door.

"Y/N-" Ethan started to call after me, but I was already halfway across the street and there was no way in hell I was turning back.

I ran into my house and up to my room slamming my door closed, before I collapsed on the floor in a fit of sobs.

For hours, I sat there unmoving, crying hysterically, letting out all my sadness anger and frustration. So far this was hurting me more than any break up I'd ever endured. I felt weak, completely helpless and the fact that Grayson had that much power over me, terrified me more than anything else.

I angrily wiped away my tears, yanking my phone out of my pocket. I quickly scrolled through my contacts to the all to familiar name whose number I'd left unused for months. I opened a new conversation, typing a quick message before shakily hitting send.

Grayson's P.O.V "Fuck." I cursed, while I watched the tiny orange ball bounce off the side of the plastic rim as I missed yet another fucking shot.

I'd been shooting on the mini-hoop I had attached to the back of my door for a solid 45 minutes and I'd only managed to sink 3. I grabbed the ball that had rolled next to my bed, lining up for another shot, which of course didn't go in.

I groaned in frustration, chucking the stupid toy at my wall. Ever since Y/N walked in on Nicole and I earlier I hadn't been able to focus on anything but the absolute emptiness in her expression when she looked at me. To almost anyone else she would've looked fine, happy even. She had joked around after her initial shock, smiling, while  making polite small talk with Nicole, but her smile didn't reach her eyes.

When she ran out I wanted nothing more than to chase after her the only thing stopping me was Ethan. I fought back at first, my anger and annoyance getting the best of me, because I just couldn't understand why he wouldn't let me go after her. I eventually gave in when he reminded me that Nicole was still here and it'd be a real dick move to just leave her here alone.   So I'd gone back to the girl I should've been thinking about instead of going after the one I couldn't get out of my head. Not that that helped anything because Nicole had left shortly after, telling me that we'd be better off as friends because it was clear I had a lot of shit I needed to figure out. Whatever the hell that means. Not that I was that torn up about it anyway, she was nice and all but I couldn't help feel like something was missing.

I sighed, running my hands through my hair messing it up yet again. I rolled off my bed walking over to my window which happened to be aligned with Y/N's. I looked out at her house half expecting to see her curled up watching something on Netflix, her hair pulled back in a messy bun with her adorable glasses that I know she hates. But her room was dark. I checked the time on my phone, 11:45.

Weird she never goes to bed this early, it takes her forever to fall asleep.

I went to go text her, check in make sure everything's alright, when I noticed a car pull into her driveway out of the corner of my eye. A few seconds later I saw her jog out, wearing one of Ethan's hoodies. I don't know why but that rubbed me the wrong way as it always did when I saw her wearing something of his. My irritation only grew when I watched a guy get out of the car and give her a huge hug.

Who the fuck could she possibly be going out with?

I glared at them my jaw clenched as I watched them walk around the car him opening the door for her. It was only when I caught a glimpse of his stupid smug face and wild brown curls that I realized who it was. Her fucking ex. The dumbass that broke her heart because of his own insecurities. One of the only people it this world I absolutely loathed. Y/N was hanging out with Mitchell.

An unjustifiable overwhelming wave of rage flowed through me as I watched them drive off together. I stormed out of my room practically slamming the door behind me, and stalked across the hall angrily pounding on Ethan's door.

"Gray what the fu-" Ethan started to say, wearing only a pair of adidas sweats, his hair a mess.

"You will not believe what I just saw" I cut him off pushing past him into his room, where a stunned Maddie wearing nothing but one of Ethan's tee shirt, was laying on his bed. "Hey Madds"

"Hey Gray" she waved awkwardly, I could tell she was still surprised by me barging in.

"No offence Grayson but I don't give a shit about some dumb squirrels fighting over an acorn again, now get out." Ethan said unable to keep the irritation out of his tone.

"Okay first of all they were not just 'fighting' over an acorn they were full on dueling with sticks and all and it was fucking sick. Secondly that's not why I'm here. I just saw Y/N getting into a car with Mitchell" I said scowling, the thought filling me with a whole new surge of anger.

Ethan raised his eyebrows in surprise, before quickly covering it up with disinterest. "So what why do you care?"

"I care because she's my best friend and I don't want that asshole to hurt her again."

Ethan rolled his eyes, "I honestly don't know why you hate Mitchell so much, he's a pretty nice guy yet you act like he's the devil reincarnated."

I stared at him in shock, he couldn't possibly be  serious, "I mean he's the world's biggest tool, who never deserved Y/N and broke her heart for no reason but other than that yeah he's a real stand up guy!"

Ethan and Maddie exchanged a look, before Ethan said with a smirk, "Sounds like you're a little jealous there bud"

"Me? Jealous? Please!" I scoffed, "I just think Y/N deserves someone who will actually treat her right for once, because she's one of the most amazing girls I know and I don't understand why she wastes her time with shrimp dick."

Now Maddie and Ethan were both staring at me with shit eating grins, "You're so right he he's insanely jealous right now!" Maddie smirked.

"Oh fuck off Madeline I am not" I glared my cheeks heating up.

Maddie just laughed, "Awh look at him he's blushing!" she teased, of course making me blush more. "Does Grayson Dolan have a little crush on Y/N?"

Ethan lost it, he was laughing so hard he started wheezing.

"You guys suck." I said frustratedly getting up. If I wasn't blushing before I sure as hell was now, and I could feel my heart rate skyrocket.

"No Gray wait don't go, we're sorry!" Ethan said clearly trying to hold back his laughter.

"I hate you."

"Come on bro don't be like that, this is clearly bugging you so let's talk about it" Ethan pleaded.

I contemplated his offer for a second, before ultimately reclaiming my spot on his bed. As much as I didn't want to admit it I know talking about it with him would help me clear my head.

"I just don't know what she sees in him, she's a million times better than he'll ever be" I sighed, "Maybe I should go find them..."

"Wait? What?!" Ethan asked startled.

"Yeah I could check snap map or something, and go make sure she's okay..."

"Dude absolutely not. You're not going to crash her date" Ethan said looking at me like I was absolutely insane.

"But-" I started.

"No Grayson, I'm not going to let you stalk our best friend." Ethan cut me off.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Ethan stopped me before I could say anything.

"No Gray. Think about how crazy you sound right now! You're acting lowkey psycho, just wait until she gets back to talk to her later like a normal person" He scolded.

Ethan was right. I was being ridiculous. Like some sort of crazy overprotective boyfriend and we aren't even together! I don't know what got into me, I was not, never had been, never will be that guy. There was just so many things going through my brain that'd I'd gotten a little riled up.

I looked at him guiltily, "You're right, I don't know what's up with me today, sorry dude"

"You don't need to apologize, just chill." He said sympathetically.

I nodded, standing up walking towards the door. "Thanks guys," I said, pausing before adding, "Oh and since I know the second I leave you guys are gonna finish what I clearly interrupted earlier, Maddie try and be quieter our parents are sleeping and you wouldn't want to wake them up, that'd be a nightmare for you two to explain"

Now it was their turn to blush, Maddie looked embarrassed while Ethan looked pissed, "Oh my god shut the fuck up assface" Ethan glared chucking a pillow at me.

I narrowly dodged it chuckling "Use protection!" I called, bolting to my room before Ethan had the chance to throw something harder than a pillow.

I scrolled through my snap memories while I waited for Y/N to get back. Most of them were of Ethan doing something stupid, but a few were of Y/N. I clicked on a video she'd taken a while back while we were driving around one night listening to music, when out of nowhere Lay all your love on me from the Mama Mia soundtrack came on. She'd been obsessed with that musical when we were kids, making us watch the movie over and over again until Ethan and I staged an intervention. I had whined and complained asking her to change it but she just turned it up and sang at the top of her lungs. In the video she was singing the chorus as loud and as off key as she could, making faces and zooming in and out while I watched her from the drivers seat with an amused smirk. I remeber I'd tried to act annoyed but she was to damn cute I couldn't keep a straight face. When the video ended I had a stupid smile on, remembering how shortly after that video was taken she'd managed to convince me to join in on the duet which ended with us both laughing our asses off. It had been a good day.

I scrolled down to the next snap with Y/N. It was another video except this time I had taken it. This one was more recent, it was from one of our movie nights a few weeks ago and I'd forced her to watch IT for the first time even though she's terrified of clowns. In the video she was snuggled into me, with her fuzzy blanket almost covering her eyes. We'd been eating popcorn and the bowl was resting on her lap. It was at the part of the movie where pennywise jumps out of the old film projector the kids where looking at. Obviously that scared Y/N shitless and she'd jumped sending the popcorn flying everywhere, screaming and cursing under her breath, while I was pissing myself laughing and teasing her in the background. I had ended up sleeping over that night and I remember waking up with Y/N in my arms, even though when we went to sleep we were on opposite ends of the bed, feeling nothing but pure happiness.

I continued to look through the old snaps and the more I looked the more they're actually were of Y/N. Videos of her attempting to learn fortnight or singing and dancing obnoxiously around the room. Random ones of her playing with my hair or flipping me off. Pictures of her with food all over her face, or passed out on my shoulder during long car rides with Ethan. Some selfies we took after she got me to do face masks with her. So many pictures from when we go out for food weather it's fast food in the car or a legitimate meal at a restaurant. All of them bringing back fond memories like the time we went cliff jumping or when we took her to get her first tattoo.

However, the one picture that made me stop everything I was doing to stare at it, was one taken only about a week and a half ago. We'd gone to the beach earlier in the day, and her, Maddie, Ethan and I had all gone back to our house for a bonfire. She had on one of my hoodies, shocking, (I swear this girl never wears her own clothes) and I'd pulled her on to my lap so I wouldn't have to go get her a chair. In the photo she was laughing at something someone had said, her eyes lit up with happiness, the light from the fire making her look like she was glowing from the inside out. What made me uneasy about it was how I was looking at her, I was starting at her with the biggest smile, like she was the most amazing thing I'd ever seen or some shit. Ethan must've taken the picture without me noticing because I don't think I'd ever seen it before. An overwhelming feeling of adoration and longing surged through me, we looked like a couple.

I put my phone down next to me, Maddie's words replayed in my head. Did I like Y/N? I mean we'd been friends for so long I didn't think it was possible to be or to want to be anything else. She was beautiful there was no denying that, not so much in an in your face super model kind of way, no her beauty was more natural, unfiltered and as cliché as it sounds she took my breath away. The more I think about it, the more I realize the butterflies I'm always ignoring when I'm around her and yesterday at her house, I had wanted to kiss her. The only reason I didn't was because Ethan walked in. But that didn't mean anything right? I had just gotten caught up in the moment. I couldn't like Y/N. I looked back down at the picture of us the warm feeling in my stomach spreading to the rest of my body, causing panic.

I hurried back to Ethan's room, not even bothering to knock this time. Him and Maddie were in a heated make out session but thankfully they were still clothed. Or at least mostly clothed.

"Seriously Grayson?! It's like your trying to have a repeat of last month! Get the fuck out!" Ethan screamed, after him and Maddie pulled apart.

"Why'd you take this picture" I ignored him shoving my phone in his face.

He grumpily snatched the phone from my hand to get a better look, "I don't know dude you both look happy, it's a good angle, the fire adds a nice aesthetic," he shrugged handing it back to me, "Can you leave now? We were kind of busy..."

"We look like a fucking couple Ethan" I exclaimed, sitting down on his bed.

Ethan groaned in frustration, "Yeah? So what?"

"So what?! I'm freaking out! I can't have feelings for her, she's Y/N!"

"It's just a picture Gray it's not a big deal" Ethan sighed. "Besides so what if you do like her? I think you guys would be good together."

"Bro, do you have any idea what a gross cliché that'd be?! I don't like her like that. I can't." I said, but I sounded unsure. At this point it was more like I was trying to convince myself rather than Ethan.

"You're being so dramatic right now" Ethan sighed, putting his head in his hands, "You've literally got yourself worked up over one stupid picture where you guys look like your a little more than friends. I mean you said it yourself, you don't like her like that, so why are you still here? What's the problem"

"It looks like I'm in love with her Ethan! It's not supposed to look like you're in love with your best friend!" I frustratedly ran my hands through my hair.

Maddie whom I'd completely forgotten was there, looked from me to Ethan with a small smirk, "E should we tell him or do you think that'd make things worse?"

"Tell me what?"

"Nothing it's not a big deal, it's just that you always look at her like that, you have since we were 12" He shrugged. "It's worse when you talk about her though because then you get this really stupid expression on your face kind of like you just got really good head or something"

I felt my cheeks heat up, "I do not!" I weakly argued.

Maddie laughed slightly, "I don't agree with my idiot boyfriends analogy, but yeah you totally do. It's like someone will just mention her name and you get this big dopey smile on your face it's hilarious"

I looked at my brother and his girlfriend looking for any signs they were messing with but I found none.

"What does that mean?" I said quietly, my heart pounding, terrified of what it could be.

Ethan's expression softened, his earlier frustration had almost completely vanished, replaced with a knowing smile as he and Maddie exchanged a look.

"I think you know damn well what it means Grayson I just think you're too much of a fucking pussy to admit it to yourself."

I thought about everything, the butterflies, constantly finding some excuse to touch her or be near her because of the almost electric feeling that came with it. How her smile lit up a room, how I was always so fascinated in how her eyes would change depending on her emotion and what she was wearing. How I knew basically everything about her yet she never failed to amaze me. Ethan was right I knew what it meant, and I swear that realization made my heart drop to my ass. Your P.O.V I had texted Mitchell earlier with the poorly thought out intention to try and get back together. That being said I was fully expecting him to ignore me. Our breakup wasn't the messiest but it hadn't been all sunshine and roses either. What I didn't expect was, him to not only text back but to invite me to hangout as well.

He'd picked me up, greeting me with a hug and a smile and we drove around for a few hours. We talked through everything he apologized for how he ended things, and I apologized for being too blind to realize my own feelings. He told me about his new girlfriend, his eyes lighting up as he talked about her and I found myself being genuinely happy for him. I ended up cracking and filling him in on my whole dilemma which he was very sympathetic to. In the end we decided we'd stay friends and I was happy.

"Well thanks for everything Mitchell I really needed this." I said as we pulled into my driveway.

"Of course, and hey let me know if you want me to set you up with my friend Anthony" he said.

"I might have to take you up on that" I laughed, getting out of the car.

We said our goodbyes and I watched him drive away. When I looked back I finally noticed the floppy haired, hazel eyed boy who'd been causing me so much heartache recently standing at the end of his driveway.

"Grayson what are you doing out here?" I asked, my heart beating rapidly in my chest.

"I came to drop this off," he said lifting up his purple champions sweater I'd returned to him the day before.

"You came to give me your sweater?" I asked confusion taking over my features.

I guess the question caught him off guard because he started stuttering, "Y-yes I mean, N-no, I mean y-you like it so m-much I-"

"Why are you really here Grayson?" I sighed.

He walked closer to me, "I wanted to talk." he said quietly "I see your hanging out with Mitchell again"

I swear I saw a spark of jealousy ignite in his eyes.

"Yeah? So what?" I said indignantly, crossing my arms over my chest.

"So? He hurt you! Why would you want to be around him!" He said, I could tell he was frustrated.

You hurt me! More than he ever did and looky here i'm still putting up with your bitch ass.  "That's in the past Gray, things are different now" I rolled my eyes.

"How Y/N? Please enlighten me." He scoffed.

"We're friends."

"Yeah until you 'accidentally' wake up in his bed"

"Do you really think that lowly of me? We've been best friends our whole lives I thought you knew me better than that..." I said, the overwhelming feelings of hurt and disbelief consuming me.

"No Y/N you know that's not what I meant, I just don't trust him with you." Grayson tried to explain.

"You don't trust him with me? What the fuck does that even mean?!" I said, I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me, this was getting ridiculous, "You don't get to judge who I hangout with or what I do with my life. I'm a big girl I can make my own decisions."

"So what are you going to do, fuck around with him until he gets tired of you and breaks your heart again?" Grayson glared, his jaw clenched in anger.

"Wow, okay. Fuck you Grayson." I spat, I could feel the tears threatening to spill, which only added to my frustration, I was tired of crying. I took a few steps backwards trying to create distance between us.

His expression immediately softened, his eyes filled with guilt and regret "I am so sorry Y/N I didn't mean-"

"No fuck you." I cut him off. "You're acting like a jealous dick and for what?! Because I was hanging out with another guy?! That's bullshit Grayson! You were literally making out with Nicole this morning! You're not my boyfriend, you always make that perfectly clear to anyone who asks, so why the hell do you care so much if I end up fucking Mitchell or not? It's not like I haven't done it before, we dated for like 6 months..."

"Because it makes me sick to my stomach thinking about you with him, his hands on your body... I just... I don't want to fucking picture okay?! I've hated all of your past boyfriends and until today I had no fucking clue why, because I mean we're just friends right?" Grayson ranted, laughing humourlessly.

I opened my mouth to say something, but Gray continued before I got the chance.

"Except, I can't stop thinking about you, and when I'm with you I swear my hearts about to beat out of my chest or some shit, but still I tried to convince myself we're just friends. I threw myself into half assed relationships to avoid what I was really feeling because the second I admitted to myself it made it real. But today I was looking through some old videos and pictures of us and I realized, as cheesy as it sounds, I'm the happiest when I'm with you. You're funny and kind, and you're strong, and you're really fucking pretty. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing I always want to be with you, and I can't keep ignoring it forever. So I'm sorry I was an asshole, and I'm sorry if this ruins the friendship but Y/N I'm in love with you. I'm so in love with you it scares me because I have no idea what'd I do without you in my life, I honestly don't think I could handle it."

I stood frozen in shock, letting his confession sink in. There was less than a foot of space between us, his hazel eyes filled with so much emotion, I found it hard to breathe.

I guess I was taking to long to react, because Grayson's somewhat hopeful expression started to falter.

"Y/N, please say something..." He said softly, his eyes searching mine for some kind of indication on how I was feeling.  

The vulnerability, in his voice was enough to bring me back to reality. Now our faces were less than six inches apart.

I broke out into a huge smile, "Wow Dolan, I always knew you were obsessed with me, but I have to say, that was unexpected"

He groaned, placing on of his hands over his heart, "Oh my god you're the worst. I pour my heart out to you and that's your response? I hat-"

I cut him off by gently placing my lips on his kissing him slowly. He didn't react at first, apparently too caught off guard to move. I started to pull away, but Grayson stopped me. I guess at that point he'd finally processed what was happening because he wrapped his arms around me pulling me closer and deepening the the kiss. His soft lips moving perfectly in sync with mine I smiled, my whole body felt like it was on fire, but at the same time I had shivers running up and down my spine.

After what felt like an eternity, yet still not enough time we broke apart breathless.

"I love you too." I said softly my voice barely above a whisper.

His whole face lit up with the most breathtaking smile, that made my stomach explode with butterflies, as he leaned in to kiss me again.

"Even though you're an asshole sometimes" I teased, biting my bottom lip.

"Me?! You're one to talk! I told you I loved you and you response was 'I knew you were obsessed with me.' Who does that? You almost gave me a heart attack!" he said indignantly, pulling back slightly.

I laughed "Sorry Gray, but in my defence you caught me completely off guard."

He playfully rolled his eyes, closing the distance between us and kissing me softly.

"I love you, even though you're a little shit sometimes" He said giving me another quick peck. "Be mine?"

I smiled kissing him again.

"Is that a yes?" He grinned.

"Yes." I rolled my eyes, unable to keep the smile off my face.

Still smiling, Grayson started to lean in, but before our lips could touch, we were interrupted.

"FUCK YEAH CAM OWES ME 50$ HAH!"

We turned to see Ethan and Maddie standing in the doorway of the Dolan house, with messy hair and minimal clothing.

"Ethan shut up can't you see they're having a moment?!" Maddie said smacking him lightly upside the head. "SORRY GUYS CARRY ON"

Grayson shook his head slightly, cheeks flushed, closing the gap between us. I kissed him back intensely, while we flipped off Maddie and Ethan who were obnoxiously cheering.

"So much for being 'Platonic' huh?" I said softly.

Grayson let out a breathy laugh, "You know, I think I like this better anyway"

[allthingsteenwolf20]

Lisp - Pack Mom (Part Four)

The couple were up bright and early the next morning. Y/N busied herself with chores around the loft as Derek went out to fit in a quick session at the gym before the rest of the pack joined them later. Y/N decided to let Liam have a lie in after yesterday's outburst. It got to 10:30am and she decided to wake him and get him some breakfast. She headed upstairs to the spare room and quietly walked in sitting on the bed beside him. Liam was curled up on the end of the bed lightly snoring. Y/N couldn't help but smile at how innocent he looked asleep. He was just a broken little boy who needed the love and affection of a mother. She gently ran her fingers through his soft sandy brown hair and leaned forward to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Liam, sweetie. It's time to wake up now. Come on, sweetheart." Y/N cooed gently. Liam whined at his sleep being disturbed.

"I know, honey. I know but I can't let you sleep the day away. Come on, let's get you freshened up and have some breakfast." She told him.

"Mornin' momma." Liam yawned looking up at her.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep ok?" Y/N asked him gently stroking his cheek with the pad of her thumb.

"Mmm hmm." Liam replied giving her a nod.

"Are you hungry, sweetie?" Y/N asked him and as if on que Liam's stomach began to grumble. Y/N couldn't help but chuckle.

"Come on, sweetie. Go freshen up and then I'll get you some breakfast." Y/N told him again.

"But am so comfy, momma." Liam replied yawning.

"I know honey but I want you to have breakfast. Come on, I'll make you whatever you like." Y/N attempted to bribe him.

"Pancakes wiff chocowate sywup?" Liam asked. Y/N chuckled and nodded.

"Ok sweetie." She smiled pressing a kiss to his cheek. Liam nodded and got out of bed heading to the bathroom as Y/N exited the room.

In the kitchen, Y/N was making pancakes when Derek entered.

"Morning babe, mmm those smell great!" Derek commented as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed a kiss to her cheek. Liam trudged into the kitchen to see the sweet sight before him. Scott had told him that Derek was never one to show any affection but with Y/N he always had a smile on his face. Liam couldn't help with smile at the love that radiated from them. It was the most he had ever seen. He usually awoke to either a cold empty household or to his parents fighting.

"Morning pup, did you sleep ok?" Derek asked the young beta as he ruffled his hair.

"Yeah, t'anks for havin' me." Liam smiled up at him shyly.

"You're always welcome here, pup." Derek replied with a flashy smile.

"Why don't you join your momma for breakfast? I'm going to take a quick shower and I'll join you guys after ok?" Derek told him.

"You don' wan' us to wait for you?" Liam asked.

"No of course not, pup. I don't want your breakfast to go cold, go eat it's ok. I'll be down in a few minutes." Derek smiled and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Y/N couldn't help but smile at the sweet interaction. She knew Derek would make a good father and it looked like he was starting to. She saw how much he cared about Liam the moment he set foot into the loft. He warmed up to the older alpha and herself more than anyone else.

"Good morning honey." Y/N smiled and gave him a hug pressing a kiss to his head as the young beta wrapped his arms around her. Liam sat at the table and dug into his breakfast.

"Mmm..." He replied contently.

"Is it good, sweetie?" Y/N asked smiling as Liam dug into his food.

"I neber had pancakes before, I jus' get ceweal at home." Liam told her.

"You're welcome here any time and whenever you come over, I'll make you whatever you want for breakfast." Y/N smiled. Liam blushed at her words and nodded. He took another forkful of pancakes and the chocolate syrup dribbled down his chin.

"You're so messy, baby." Y/N cooed grabbing a tissue. She gently held Liam's chin and wiped away the chocolate syrup and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"You're so cute." She cooed.

"Momma..." Liam whined blushing hiding his face. Y/N couldn't help but chuckle and press another kiss to his cheek. Liam finished his breakfast and watched Y/N work around the kitchen. She poured a mug of coffee for Derek and set out his plate.

"There are my two favourite people." Derek replied. He pressed a loving kiss to Y/N's lips.

"My beautiful wife and my new little wolf pup." Derek replied as he ruffled Liam's hair.

"Heeeeey" Liam giggled.

"Momma, can I go watch cartoon pwease?" Liam asked.

"Yeah of course, sweetie. I'll join you in just a second." Y/N smiled. Liam nodded and headed into the living room putting the TV on and watching episodes of Spongebob.

Y/N peered into the living room watching Liam giggle at the TV balled up on the couch with the blanket.

"He's a sweet kid." Derek told her pulling her from her thoughts as he sat at the table to dig into his breakfast.

"He's the sweetest. I love him so much." Y/N told him.

"He loves you too. So much in fact that he's started calling you his momma." Derek pointed out.

"You're just jealous he hasn't started calling you dad yet." Y/N retorted jokingly. Derek chuckled put his hands up in defence.

"Alright alright, he's a great kid." Derek smiled.

"Babe, Liam told me he's been having trouble at home with his parents." Y/N began.

"And you had a thought didn't you?" Derek asked her knowing his wife so well. Y/N nodded.

"If and I mean if fingers crossed it doesn't happen but if things got worse for him at home, could have a place to stay here with us?" Y/N asked him not knowing how he would react. Derek put down his cup of coffee and looked up at her.

"I think that's a great idea, babe." Derek simply replied. Y/N smiled and pressed a kiss to his lips.

"I love you, Derek Hale." she smiled.

(Timeskip to the pack arriving)

Noon arrived faster than they thought. The pack gathered in the living room. Even though Liam understood that the pack were his new family, he couldn't help but feel slightly egdy with some of them around but that didn't matter as long as he had Y/N and Derek with him.

"Ok so before we begin, I want to start off by asking Stiles for an apology." Y/N began.

"For what?" Stiles asked slightly confused.

"For what you did to Liam yesterday." Y/N told him. Liam rest his head against Y/N's shoulder.

"Oh." Stiles replied blankly.

"She's right Stiles. What you did wasn't right. It's not fair to pick on him for something he doesn't have control over." Scott told him.

"Oh come on, it's his fault for talking like baby." Stiles retorted.

"Hey, watch it, Stilinski." Derek warned him.

"Momma, I don' wanna be here." Liam told Y/N as he began to get upset.

Y/N pulled him onto her lap and hushed him pressing a kiss to his forehead.

"Urgh, why does he have to act like such a baby?" Stiles retorted.

"Stiles..." Y/N warned him knowing he was about to start with Liam again.

"No seriously, why does he act like such a baby?" Stiles repeated.

"Stiles, that's enough. Liam's been with us for nearly 2 days and you're already making him feel uncomfortable. What's got into you?" Y/N asked him.

"Momma..." Liam whined as he closed his eyes. Y/N could see his eyes flickering amber underneath his eyelids. Oh god.

"Sssh, I'm here. You're ok. Just listen to my heartbeat, honey. I'm here." She cooed knowing that the more Stiles upset Liam the more likely he was to shift.

"Shhh close your eyes sweetie and listen to my heartbeat." Y/N cooed running her fingers through his hair. Y/N looked up at Derek for help who immediately jumped in. He approached her and crouched down so Liam could see him. He put his hand on his knee.

"It's ok, pup. We're here. Just think about your breathing and listen to your momma's heartbeat. We've got you." Derek reassured him. Liam opened his eyed to look at the former alpha and nodded.

"Thanks....dad." Liam almost whispered. If Derek wasn't a werewolf his hearing definitely would not have picked that up. The older alpha couldn't help but smile and pat Liam on the knee.

"Ok seriously?!" Stiles voice boomed.

Liam whinced at the loudness of his voice.

"Stiles, if you say another word I will rip your throat out with my teeth." Derek threatened him getting impatient with his stupid remarks.

"Stiles, where's that apology?" Y/N asked getting impatient.

"He's not getting one." The human sassed back to which Derek let out a growl.

"Then get out." Y/N told him. Stiles froze for a second.

"But Y/N.." he began but the female alpha shook her head and ordered him out. Stiles huffed but listened and left anyway.

"Was that necessary?" Lydia asked.

"Did you want Liam to shift like last time?" Derek asked her. Lydia got the hint and backed down shaking her head.

"Maybe I should calm him down?" Scott asked kneeling in front of Liam as Derek did but Liam shook his head and turned away from him.

"Come on, bud. You have to give me a chance?" Scott asked him.

"Give the kid some time." Derek told him.

"Easy for you to say, he already likes you." Scott huffed.

"Maybe try helping him out then see?" Derek sassed. Scott sighed and nodded.

The remaining members dispersed throughout the loft.

"You know, if he doesn't get his act together this pack meeting isn't going to end." Y/N told her husband who nodded in agreement.

"What is it about Liam that provokes him?" Y/N questioned.

"Anything by the looks it." Derek responded. Y/N huffed at his response. She looked down at Liam in her arms. He had a fistful of her shirt in his hand and kept his eyes closed and appeared to be still concentrating.

"That's my good boy." Y/N cooed.

"Open your eyes, sweetheart. Show momma your beautiful blue eyes?" Y/N asked him as she gently stroked his cheek lovingly with the pad of her thumb. Liam took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes which returned to their usual crystalline baby blue orbs. Y/N smiled and kissed his forehead.

"Good job, sweetheart." She cooed with a smile and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Liam sighed and rest in her arms. It was becoming more and more difficult to control his shift but the second Y/N and Derek stepped he felt himself calming down. He didn't know what it was but he needed them more than anything.

[voidgrayson]

6 AM | Tim Drake x Reader

prompt | “listen i know i can’t just show up at your apartment at six in the morning but i need coffee and no one makes it like you do”

warnings | slight angst, fluff

a/n | i’m going to be posting small fluff, smut, angst, etc prompts in order to better my writing skills so if there are any plot holes or such please let me know.

His eyes hurt.

The bright light that his whirring laptop emitted is practically burning his eyes right out of their sockets, but Tim doesn’t flinch. He just continues to sift through the files that he managed to steal from the Penguin while sipping the remains of his bitter, black coffee.

Tim shifts in his swivel chair, grunting from the pain the ran up and down his back. He doesn’t remember the last time he moved from his desk, but he knows that last time he looked away from his laptop the sun was shining bright in his bedroom. Now it’s pitch black and he can barely see anything around himself.

Tim sighs softly as he goes to take another sip from his coffee mug, but frowns when only a single drop of cold coffee lands on his tongue.

“Crap,” he grumbles, rubbing his temples whilst clenching his sore eyes shut. He can’t work without having a cup of coffee beside him. It’s what keeps him motivated and moving until his body can’t handle it anymore and he finds himself passed out for days.

Tim comes to a stand, however he nearly stumbles to the ground. He lost feelings in his leg a while ago, he remembers. He stretches his limbs before snatching his mug and continuing to the kitchen in his apartment, only to trip over a pile of clothes by the door.

He’s gotta clean his room, Tim notes. Well, there was once upon a time your room was always cleaned, but that was when y/n was still around.

Tim shakes his head and treads toward the kitchen. From there he pulls out the ingredients to make his beloved beverage. As he sets the coffee maker up, Tim pauses as a thought crosses his mind.

He hates bitter coffee.

“But that’s because you never pay attention to what you’re doing,” you smile at Tim, who only stares into his coffee. He finds himself in awe at the leaf design that’s styled to perfection and the sweet smell that enters his nostrils.

“I do pay attention,” Tim defends himself with a sloppy grin. He watches as your eyes light up, crossing your arms over your chest. The small, silk pink robe that you wear rises a bit as you move your arms. 

“Tim, I watched you just dump things in the coffee pot- things that didn’t even belong in there!” You playfully argue. Tim shrugs his shoulders before taking a sip of the steamy drink. It’s sweet, almost taste like hot chocolate. He smiles wider before placing the mug down on his desk before smiling up at you. 

“No one make coffee like you do,” his voice is barely above a whisper, but you still hear him.

You smile, sitting down in his lap. With a peck on his lips, you say, “that’s because I make mines with love.”

That was months ago.

Tim had broke things off with you exactly five months ago. Dating him was a huge risk, especially when you didn’t know about Red Robin. There was a lot of things that could have happened to you, but now Tim’s wondering what would have happened if you knew. You had been dating for a year, and those where the best twelve months in his life.

Tim glances at the clock. 6 am, it reads.

Tim sighs heavily as he grabs the keys to his motorcycle. He’d be damned if he drank other cup of cold coffee ever again.

On the other side of town, your snuggled up in the fluffiest blankest, lying on your couch as you watch reruns of Spongebob. You giggle to yourself as you watch the the yellow sponge serenade a fish, only for the fish to begin yelling at him.

A sudden knock at your door causes you to jump, as you were not expecting anyone at your apartment. You glance at the clock above the television, and your lips dip into a frown. Who in God’s name would be bothering you at six in the morning?

Another set of knocks echo throughout your living room. Of course, living in Gotham you knew to be wary than to open the door for strangers. But you didn’t have any enemies that would want to physically harm you. Hell, you barely had friends.

You cautiously make your way to the front door, you pray that you would see a friendly face on the other side. You take a deep breath before grabbing the handle and swinging it open, only to be shocked by who your surprise guest was.

Why the hell is Tim Drake standing at your front door?!

You both are silent as you drink in the others appearance.

Tim almost laughs as he notice’s that you’re wearing the silk pink robe he bought you. You almost cover your mouth with your hand as you stare at Tim. The bags underneath his eyes have grown heavier, and he looks like he hasn’t slept in months. He’s clad in gray sweats and a dingy white tea, and you’re pretty sure he’s been wearing that outfit for days. 

“Listen,” Tim’s voice his raspy, like he had been screaming for days on end, “I know I can’t just show up at your apartment at six in the morning but I need coffee and no one makes it like you do.”

You stare at him in utter confusion, trying to understand what he just said. He came all the way here for coffee? Anger boils in your veins as you clench the door. How dare he, after wasting a year of your life promising you a future together then six months of nothing, show up at you doorstep wanting you to make you coffee?!

“You need to leave,” you snap, and attempt to slam to the door in his face. But of course, Tim catches the door just in time. Now, you two are staring at each other through the crack of the door. 

Once again, silence reigns over the two of you. Moments pass before you hear Tim quip up in a small voice, “do you still make your coffee with love?”

It didn’t fly over your head what Tim is attempting to ask you: do you still love him? Of course you did. You spent a year of your life with this boy. You meet his family and everything, and he even spoke of buying a ring for you. But you didn’t know what to say to him. You were to angry to even speak right now.

Tim watches you, biting his lip as he awaits your answer. Then realization hits him. You had been broken up for six months, and in those six months you could have moved on and found someone else. That someone could be sleeping in your bed right now, wondering why it was taking you so long to return.

“Do you make your coffee,” Tim swallows hard, trying to force the lump on his throat away, “d-do you make your coffee with love for anybody else?”

You almost laugh, but instead you grin at the hardwood floor. You hadn’t been able to even think about moving on and loving another person. You spent most of your time either at work or cooped up in your apartment.

“No,” you chuckle, mostly to yourself. 

Tim smiles, taking a step closer to you door. “Would- would you do it for me?”

You finally bring yourself to stare at him. His eyes are full of hope, lips parted as he prepared himself for the worst. You clench the door frame, your palms growing sweaty. Would you be willing to risk another year of your life with someone who could break your heart again, making you look like a fool? Would it even be worth all the pain?

Your eyes swell as you slowly open the door wide enough for him to step inside.

“Yes.”

[whenimgoodandready]

*SVTFOE SEASON 2 Bloopers

My New Wand!

-Glossaryck:”Imagine the universe as this big old cauldron, and magic is the bubbly stew inside, and your wand is the spoon”

Star:”My wand isn’t a spoon, it’s a wand”

Glossaryck:”It’s a metaphor, Star”

Star:”No, it’s a wand”

(Glossaryck gives her an unamused look)

Glossaryck:”YOU’RE A WAND!”

(They stare at each other until someone on set starts laughing and then they laugh)

Ludo in the Wild

-(Ludo is eating chunks from what the spider ate, we see in the background Wander riding Sylvia as he’s reading a map)

Wander:”Okay, so we take a turn by that snowy mountain (Ludo stops eating and overhears an unfamiliar voice as he turns around) and then we go-” (Wander stops talking as he and Sylvia turn to see Ludo. They both awkwardly stare at each other)

Sylvia:(to Wander) “I told you we were lost!”

Mr.Candle Cares

-(Tom and Marco are playing ping pong, Tom hits the ball so high over Marcos head, a stage light falls hanging with a guy holding on for it as he screams, the camera goes shaky as Marco runs over to help)

Red Belt

-(in Marcos dream, when the locker opens, instead of Marco in a suit, it’s Ms.Skullnick and she says “Ta-da!” with jazz hands)

-(When everyone is flying away with balloons, Alfonzo and Ferguson’s balloon pops and they go crashing down as some people are horrified while others laugh while flying away)

Star on Wheels

-(When Marco and Oskar are chasing after Star on her runaway bike, the projector screen of the streets background falls revealing the stage crew and other characters getting ready (ex.Toffee holding a coffee mug while reading a script) they all look toward where the background fell)

Starstruck

-(Mina is having trouble with the bag over her head as the director tries to give her directions)

Daron:”Over to the left!”

(Mina bumps into a tree)

Daron:”No! The other left!”

Mina:”Damn it! Daron!”

By the Book

-Ludo:(to the wand) “Tell me your secrets” (he listens to the wand and he hears these:) “New episode of “The Big Bang Theory” this Thursday, never eat a peanut butter and banana sandwich with Sprite, Bebe is going out of Business! What!?”

(Everyone on set starts laughing as Ludo looks confused)

Ludo:”What!?” Isn’t that what it was supposed to say?”

(Everyone continues to laugh)

Sleepover

-Truth Box:”What.......is..........the square root of nine?”

(Everyone looks confused, but Marco)

Star:”Um, Pony Head, I think this is a math quiz box?”

Pony Head:”Oops, my bad! Sorry Daron I-”

Marco:”THE SQUARE ROOT OF NINE IS THREE!”

(Everyone looks at Marco on why he took it so seriously)

Friendenemies

-(When Tom and Marco are singing that Love Sentence song, Marco forgets the words and starts singing the chorus to Jojo’s song “Too Little Too Late” and Tom looks over at the director as Marco is singing and says laughing, “Daron?”)

Is Mystery

-(When Buff Frog is handcuffed to the grinder with that Bat Monster next to him, the Bat Monster keeps cracking up every time he has to reply “It goes in the hole” cuz it’s too funny to say “hole” and after a few takes, Buff Frog:”Where does all the corn go?” The Bat Monster hesitates and screams, “IT GOES IN THE F***ING A**HOLE!” And he and Buff Frog and everyone on set bursts into laughter)

Into the Wand

-(When Star is in the “grandma room” she reads Eclipsa’s tapestry plate, but her tapestry is the poster for “The Minions Movie!” Star gives a sly smile that says, “Very funny guys” to the crew on set as they laugh)

Bon Bon the Birthday Clown

-(Marco is descending down the stairs all dressed up, he trips as Jackie and Star go to help him up and Marco laughs saying, “Didn’t this happen in “She’s All That”!)

Raid the Cave

-(Star is stuck on her back from the large heavy backpack wiggling around and then pauses)

Star:”Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” (Star starts laughing as Marco starts laughing too as well as the staff. Star laughs as she presses her spider necklace like a “Life Alert” button)

-Star:(to Buff Frog) “I thought your babies were sending us fanart” (she flips through the drawings and then comes across a black and white photograph off Buff Frog posing sophisticatedly in a black turtleneck with his autograph on it)

Star:(shows Buff Frog the photo while trying to hold her laugh) “WTF is this!?”

(Buff Frog looks embarrassed as he goes over to Star)

Buff Frog:”Gimme that!” (he chases after Star as she runs around the set laughing while Marco looks both confused and amused)

-(Star is looking at the All-Seeing Eye spell and comes across Janna doing mischievous stuff)

Star:(gasps) “Janna you scoundrel!”

(Star moves over the All-Seeing Eye and instead of seeing Principal Skeeves, it’s the trailer for “Fifty Shades Darker”)

(Star gasps in amazement)

(trailer shows the shower scene)

Star:”OOOOOOOH”

(trailer shows the masquerade scene)

Star:’”AWWWWWWWWWE”

(trailer shows the ex-girlfriend about to shoot)

Star:”OMG!”

(Marco is peaking through the door)

Marco:”Star?”

(Star shrieks and jumps waving her hands around in a quick motion and then tries to block the trailer)

(Marco laughs)

Trickstar

-(Sensei does his bicycle stunt, but the stuntman who was doing it crashes. Everyone on set goes to check on him as some are laughing while others are concerned and the camera falls)

Baby

-King River:(about Glossaryck) “So? He’s gone. Good riddance, I say. Little s*** always creeped me out”

(staff laughs as River smiles and bows his head in shame)

(Take 2) King River:”So? He’s gone. Good riddance, I say. Little guy always f***ed with me”

(staff laughs again as River just sits and smiles)

King River:”I know! I know!”

(Take 3) King River:”So? He’s gone. Good riddance, I say. Little s*** got (cracks up) WHAT WAS COMING TO HIM!”

(staff laughs once again as River covers his head on the table laughing. Raises his head to the director)

King River:”I’m not sorry!” (covers his head again)

-Baby:(to Star) ”Bring me that apple”

(a red apple appears. Suddenly, the Old Hag from “Snow White” comes in cackling, takes the apple and leaves. Star and Baby are stunned silent then someone off set laughs)

Running with Scissors

-(Marco climbs up the cliff to blow out Hekapoos flame. It blows out, but re-lites itself. Marco is confused. He blows it out again and again and it re-lites itself again)

Marco:”Huh?”

(Hekapoo smugs as Marco repeatedly tries to blow out the flame only for it to re-lite itself again as the staff snickers)

Marco:’Damn it, Hekapoo!”

(Hekapoo laughs)

Mathmagic

-Janna:(whispers) “Hey Star! Why did the chicken cross the road?”

Star:(boredly) “IIIIIIIIIII don’t knooooooooow?”

Janna:”Cuz she didn’t give a “cluck!”

(Take 2) Janna:”Cuz she cried “fowl!”

(Take 3) Janna:”Cuz she was suicidal!”

(Take 4) Janna:”To finish this damn scene”

(Take 5) (Janna just pauses on her sly look then looks confused. She turns to someone off set) “Line”

(someone off set laughs)

-Star:(raises her hand and waves it around frantically) “Ms.Skullnick! I’d like to solve the puzzle!” (stops and realizes what she said as Janna buries her head in laughter)

-(Star is writing something on the board. She turns around and reveals the answer for “C”...........2+2=fish. Star gins and someone off set laughs as well as the staff)

The Bounce Lounge

-(Star and her friends are dancing and then she begins to twerk which Pony Head stops and is surprised to see, but then laughs as the staff does)

Crystal Clear

-(Rhombulus and Star are having tea)

Rhombulus:(to Star) “So the audition went well, but they said they’d give me a call if they’re interested, but that was weeks ago and.....well...I-I don’t. Think. They’re interested and-(looks around) Oh wait, are we rolling?”

(someone off set laughs as Rhombulus looks embarrassed and Star covers her mouth to not laugh) 

The Hard Way

-Glossaryck:(to Ludo about the narwhal blast) “Star came up with that from her imagination”

Ludo:”What’an (does the Spongebob rainbow hand a sparkly rainbow appears) imagination?”(Ludo is bewildered at what he did as is Glossayck with them starring at the rainbow)

Ludo:”Uhhhhhhhhhhh (darts his eyes at Glossaryck) I didn’t do this”

-Glossaryck:(to Ludo) “Bring me that apple”

(makes a pickle appear)

Ludo:”Glossayck, that’s a pickle”

Glossaryck:(deadpanly) “Yes”

(Daron, the director, from off set) “It needs to be an apple”

(a pudding cup magically appears)

Ludo:”No”

(polka dot boxers magically appear)

Ludo:”No”

(Ludo himself magically appears)

Ludo:”No!”

(a GREEN apple magically appears)

(Daron, from off set again) “It needs to be RED!”

Glossaryck:”Well f***! (gestures to it) It’s an apple isn’t it!?”

Ludo:”Where’s the prop guy!?”

(Take 2) Glossaryck:”Bring me that apple”

(makes a red apple appear. The Old Hag comes in cackling again to steal the apple)

Glossaryck:”NO!”

(The Old Hag stops as Glossaryck flies away to get a broom and starts chasing the Old Hag around hitting her with it while Ludo watches the whole thing)

Glossaryck:”This is our apple! Get! Get! Get!”

(he chases her off set as Ludo just stands there)

-(Ludo becomes possessed)

Ludo:(the voice of the lady from the cell phone Moto commercial is heard) “Hello, Moto”

(Glossaryck just stares deadpanly, but then tries to hold back his laugh. He buries his head down and stays quiet.......then bursts out laughing along with the staff)

-Ludo:”Time to give it up old man”

Director:’Cut!” Ludo, you were a little late on the queue”

Ludo:”Darn! I was so close! Lip-syncing is hard!”

Toffee:”Tell me about it”

Heinous

-Marco:(to Star)”Now are you convinced that parking meters aren’t filled with candy?”

Star:”I thought it was a pinata!” (tries to hold back her laugh. Marco tries to do the same)

-Ms.Heinous:(holding Rasticores arm)”He’s my dear, sweet Rasticore. This is just his arm, but he’s part lizard. so his whole body will grow back soon. And then he’ll be a big boy-” (stops and pauses) “Okay, (turns to someone off set) “do I really have to kiss this thing?” (points to the arm as she listens to the person) “Cuz you know it’s dusty right?” (the person off set snickers as Heinous makes a crooked smile) “Shut up!”

-(Star is playing with two Princess Marco dolls and makes them kiss with kissing noises. Looks up to the people off set) “I don’t exclude” (sheepishly grins)

-(”Princess Marco” is writing something in the back of the sign. He turns it over with a smug look. It reads, “Help! I’m being forced to do a kids show” someone off set laughs)

-(”Princess Marco” is doing the apolgoy video)

“Princess Marco”:(seductively looks at the camera) “Looking for a good time? Call Princess Marco to give you the “royal treatment” (winks. The staff laughs)

(Take 2)”Princess Marco”: ”Anyway, last time I was at St.Olga’s school, I said and did some stuff that I shouldn’t have. And that was....bad. And, uh, I just wanted to say, um.....I WILL EAT ANY LEFT OVERS YOU LEAVE ON YOUR PLATE! (grins)

(the staff laughs)

(Take 3)”Princess Marco”:(sarcastically) “As princesses, we should never drink-”(tries to hold back his laugh and buries his head. The staff snickers. Marco lifts up his head and laughs quietly)

All Belts Are Off

-(Marco is about to break three boards)

Marco:”Hi-ya-” (the boards don’t break and he hurts his foot. He hops around holding his foot) “Ow ow ow ow! SPLINTER!”

-Marco:”I’m hiding in the bushes and recording all of Jeremy’s bad behavior”

Star:”Oh, so you’re like a....like a...-”

(Star slides off the tree she’s holding onto and falls) “Whoa!”

(Take 2) (Star falls off again) “OOF!”

(Take 3) Star:”Oh, so you’re like a...like a...”(slides off again) “Ah!” (abruptly gets up looking pissed at the staff and points at the tree)

Star:(sternly)”Who greased this f***ing tree!?”

(the staff snickers and laughs)

-(Jeremy is demonstrating his karate kicks and falls over) “Whoa, whoa!”

(he laughs as he’s on the ground. Marco goes over laughing and helps him up)

Jeremy:”Thanks man”

(Marco leaves waving a dismissive hand at Jeremy while holding his stomach form laughing)

-Grand Master: ”Yes! Ha-ha! Y-Uh, yes. Yes, indeed, hi-ya indeed, yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. Uh, wonderful. (knocks over one of the candle sticks and it starts setting the floor on fire) “Ah!” (runs around screaming) “FIRE!”

(Everyone panics and Marco grabs a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. As he’s doing that, we hear Daron, the director)

Daron:”Okay, let’s just get a nonflammable candle” (sighs) 

Collateral Damage

-(Star is doing trash pickup and levitating stuff)

Star:(to Janna) ”How am I supposed to know where to go or who I am if I don’t have a-”

(the magic wand malfunctions and flickers as it starts waving around)

Star:”Whoa!” (Star grabs onto the wand as it starts lifting other things such as the actors, props and the camera crew)

Star:”WTF!?” (Sees that it’s levitating the whole set, all the actors, props and looks up a it suddenly lifts up the entire Stage Building having the bottom fragments fall on her as she’s now outside alone)

Star:(looks at the wand confused) “Is this thing really magic?”

-(Star darts her eyes at the window with the palm trees swaying in the wind as Principal Skeeves talks to Star)

Principal Skeeves:”Winters here are quite har-”

(He’s interrupted by a guy who was handling the ceiling stage lights falling from the outside window background and faintly screaming and we hear a crash)

Star:”Oh my gosh!”

(runs over to the window and Principal Skeeves looks out too. They are followed by Marco, Janna and some actors as the guys moaning in pain)

Guy:”I’m okay”

Star:(turns her head and yells to the director, Daron) “He’s okay!”

-School Girl:(about the statue)”Where’s the kissing a**!?” (realizes her mistake) “Oh f***!”

(The actors behind her cover their mouths and as she buries her head in the possums rear. Jerks her head out)

“Ew”

(The actors uncover their mouths and laugh)

-(Star is holding the speaker in Principal Skeeves office)

Star:(with a bored smiley face speaks into the mike) “Bueller.......Ferris Bueller?”

(Someone off set laughs)

Just Friends

-(Star and Marco are lip syncing to Just Friends with their electronic singing Love Sentence toothbrushes. Suddenly, Stars toothbrush slips from her hand hits Marcos head)

Marco:”Ow” (rubs his temples)

Star:”Sorry”

-Star:(to the ducks) “This place is great! I used to live here”

Jackie:”Me, too. Wait, what?”

Star:(walks over and points to her left) “Yeah, for, like, a day. But you guys will make friends so quick! There’s the lady that steals hair who lives over there”

Jackie:(laughs) “Really?”

Star:”Yeah!” (points around) “And there’s our director, Daron” (we hear Daron laugh) “And there’s Brain H. Kim the music producer” (staff starts to laugh) “And over there’s Toffee flirting with Hekapoo”

(camera swiftly pans over to a make-up chair. We see Hekapoo sitting while some ones powdering her cheek and she’s smiling up at Toffee with him holding a coffee cup in one hand and leaning the other arm on the vanity mirror looking flirtatiously at Hekapoo)

Toffee:”So yeah, I won a Golden Globe for my role in “Dexter”, it’s not an Oscar, but hey! it’s gold!”

Hekapoo:”Hmmmm” (leans in close) “That’s nice” (both stop and realize they’’re on camera. Janna walks by swaying her arms with a smug look on her face)

Janna:(singing) “Bom chicka wah wah, chicka wah wah, Bom chicka wah wah”

(Toffee glares and covers the camera)

-Star:(getting wet from the sprinkles of sweat) “Oh, don’t be silly! I just wanted to be down here by the stage so I could feel their sweat spraying on my face!”(gets splashed with a bunch of water and then a bucket falls off the stage as a guy looks down and gets embarrassed while quickly getting the bucket and leaves)

Justin Towers:(leans down from the stage to talk to Star) “You need a towel?”

Star:(smiles embarrassingly) “No s***!” (the staff laughs)

Face the Music

-Moon:”I’m here because your son took a very important book form my family”

Avarius:”My son? Which one? Crudo?”

Moon:”Eh no”

Avarius:”Not Yudo!”

Moon:”Mm-mmm”

Avarius:”Menudo?”

Moon:”Uh, no”

Avarius:”Ugh, Okay, I’m just gonna go down the list. Dudo, Kudo.....Marsha, Jan, Cindy, Greg-”

Brudo:”Honey! That’s the Brady Kids!”

Avarius:”Fur Foot, Beauty Stem, Elf Cup, Shaggy Mane, Puff Ball-”

Brudo:”That’s the Toad Patrol!”

Avarius:(face cracks a smile) “Red, Blue, Green-”

Brudo:”THOSE ARE COLORS!” (falls back on his chair laughing as Avarius tries to hold in her laugh along with Moon. The staff laughs)

Avarius:(to some one off set) “I forgot my lines! Just....so many damn kids! Ha ha ha”

-Ruberiot:(playing his lute and singing) “Where is Princess Star?” (pauses. Darts his eyes around then continues) “Where the f*** is Star?” (hangs his head down snickering as does Marco. The staff laughs. Ruberiot and Marco can’t contain themselves and burst laughing about)

Starcrushed

-(Pony Head is at a dinner table with a prince)

Pony Head:”So they were like originally gonna have me with a f***ing bleeding head and I was like, wtf!? So thank God Daron changed her mind and-(looks at the camera) “Oh wait are we rolling?”

(staff laughs)

Pony Head:(laughing) “Check please!”

-(The Magic High Commission burst through the castle doors and gasp. Instead of the giant eagle feeding the giant spider, it’s Milo, Zack and Melissa doing a circus act with all the rats. The Commission looks bewildered as the show goes on then Milo, his friends and the rats stop and look at the Commission. There’s an awkward pause. Diogee comes in)

Diogee:”Bark! Bark!”

Milo:”No DIogee, go home, he’s not supposed to be in “Star vs. The Forces of Evil”

Hekapoo:”Neither should you guys!”

Milo:”Sorry, we thought it was a closed set cuz our show is-”(as he’s walking, he slips on a camera wire) “Oops!”(it makes a ceiling light swing down and knock down Rhombulus)

Rhombulus:”Oof”

(the rats scurry around panicking. As that’s going on, Milo gets up)

Milo:”Sorry” (steps towards the Commission) “You see we-”

(he steps on a cardboard on set that launches Hekapoo in the air as she screams and passes through a trapeze act between the rats making one of them lose focus and having it crash on a rat walking on a ball which knocks him down and the ball bounces into a cannon that automatically launches it into Omnitraxuses face knocking him down and finally, Hekapoo hits a button on the wall that unleashes the cats in a later scene from Stars wand spell. The cats run around chasing the rats as everyone runs and screams around with the set falling apart and a fire starts on the right side. Milo just stands there looking nonchalantly around)

Milo:”Geez, and I thought it was just my character”

-Marco:(about Star to his dad) ”Well, uh...things are a bit weird between us right now”

Rafael:”What could be weird? Two teenagers sharing a home. One boy, one girl (pauses as he forgets his lines and awkwardly smiles) “holding hands, laughing, skipping to my lou” (voice almost cracks as the staffs) “showering together, sleeping together” (holds in his laugh as he bows his head and the staff laughs) Marco:(with an amused look on his face) “Dad?”

Rafael:”I’m not your dad, I’m an actor”

(staff laughs harder)

-(Oskar throws his keytar in the air.......too high)

Oskar:”Oh s***! Sorry!”

(Star covers her mouth from laughing)

-Omnitraxus:(to Lekmet) “You found Glossaryck?”

Lekmet:”Baaaa!” (he opens the book and gets hit by Oskars keytar knocking him down. He gets up and talks in a Brooklyn accent) “Ah C’mon!”

-(Ludo/Toffee and Moon are battling in the air when the harness holding Moon makes her do flips)

Moon:”Whoa!” (she starts dangling around the room out of control as the lighting turns to normal and the background music stops. Moon stops and just hangs there dangling)

Ludo/Toffee:(his eyes go back to normal and Ludos voice is heard) “Are you okay?”

(Toffee runs into the scene holding his script)

Toffee:”What’s going on!?”

Moon:”GET ME DOWN!”

-Police Officer:(through a megaphone) “This is the police! You punks better be having a study party up there!”

Guy:”I’ve never read a book in my-”(gets hit by Oskars flying keytar knocking him off the rood. Everyone gasps as the camera goes shaky)

-(Jackie has her mouth open for the pizza nuggets to fly in her mouth and she’s making that “Ahhhh” noise when suddenly, a fly flies into her mouth. She starts choking)

Marco:”Oh s***!” (give Jackie the Heimlich Maneuver and the fly shoots out hitting Star in the eye knocking her down)

Star:”Oof!”

-Star:(arguing with Moon) “And apparently, there’s this thing called “summer” where you-’(Oskars keytar falls on her head knocking her down. Star gets up and groans) “F*** you, Oskar!”(grabs the keytar and throws it at Oskar off screen. We hear Oskar go “Ow”. Star calls out to him) “HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT!?’

Star:(storms out) “Where’s the Tylenol!?”