#i watched IZ with my dad and he laughed HARD and said it was great so i don't think he's judging me too much at least

[shoechoe]

Happy birthday! (´v`)ﾉ｡+゜*｡

Thank you (that's a very cute text emoji by the way)

[smcc212]

Fearless

Word count- 1, 077

Pairing- Tommy Shelby x Son!, Finn Shelby x nephew!, Isiah Jesus x Male OC(platonic)

Warnings- None really? Referenced bullying, and my awful writing.

A/N- We’re all just gonna big fat ignore the fact the I haven’t posted in 238 days, okay? Okay. Great.

Thank you to @fandoms410 for requesting this, I’m so, so, so sorry it took this long xxxxx

Tommy always worried about Liam, he couldn’t help it. Having a son that couldn’t feel pain, and was bullied as a result of that, well, who wouldn’t worry? After the incident with John kids, and the kids from Liam’s school, however, that fear only grew worse.

He felt himself just wanted to bundle Liam up in bubble-wrap and bring him everywhere with him. He was even nervous about letting Liam go out to play with Finn. Although, he knew he couldn’t keep Lee locked away forever.

He watched from his office window as Lee waddled after Finn towards Jeremiah Jesus’ house. A very excitable Isiah quickly hugging his dad before joining the Shelby boys. Liam rushes to hug Isiah, and the older boy didn’t hesitate to hug him back before picking him up and heading off towards the cut.

Tommy sighed, sitting down at his desk and attempting to get on with his work. He trusted Finn, and Isiah for that matter, with Liam; It was the other lads he didn’t trust. He just hoped, prayed that they kept a close enough eye on his little boy.

Finn watched as Isiah pretend to be much slower than he really was, letting Liam catch him as they were playing tig. He fought to keep in a laugh as Isiah dramatically acted shocked that Liam caught him.

“How are you so fast, Lee?” He pretended to wonder as Liam broke out in a fit of giggles.

“You’re just really slow, iz,” he laughed. Isiah gasped in mock offence.

“You little monster,” He said before launching into an attack of tickles. “How dare you.” Finn stopped holding in his laugh at that and instead joined Isiah’s attack.

“Stop,” Lee stammered in between laughs.

“Not until you admit that I’m a fast runner.”

“B-but you’re not.” Isiah gasped again, continuing to tickle to boy. After a couple of minutes Lee caved in. “F-fine! You’re a fast runner,” He exclaimed.

“Thank you,” Isiah said stepping away, Finn did the same. “That wasn’t so hard was it?” He beamed at the boy. Liam moved his hand to rub at the tears of laughter that had formed on his face, trying not to press down too hard.

After that the boys went to Charlie Strong’s yard to see the horses. Isiah making sure to hold Lee’s hand as he had a tendency to run in the stables excited and spook the horses. Isiah remembered clear as day the ice-cold fear he felt when he saw the horse buck, he only just managed to grab Liam before the horse cracked his skull open.

“Hello, boys,” Charlie greeted.

“Hi, Charlie. We were wondering if we could see the horses?” Finn asked politely. Upon seeing the hesitation on Charlie’s face Isiah spoke up.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got Lee. I’ll make sure he doesn’t hurt himself.” Charlie nodded.

“Alright, but only for a little bit, Curly and I have to clean the stables soon.”

“Thank you, uncle Charlie!” Liam exclaimed, pulling on Isiah’s hand.

“Hold on, Lee,” Isiah started, crouching down to the boy’s level to make sure he had his attention. “I need you to promise to be calm around the horses, okay? I know you love them, but you don’t want to scare them, yeah? And I don’t want you to get hurt. So, promise me, yeah?”

“Okay, I promise, iz.”

“Okay. Good.” He stood up again, keeping a hold of Liam’s hand. “Let’s go then.”

Tommy had tried, and failed at getting his work done. His mind to preoccupied by his anxiety over Liam’s safety to be able to focus on the business. Liam was the only thing that could keep Tommy from working.

He decided to go see Charlie and see if he’d seen Liam. He knew his boy loved horses, so that was the most likely bet.

“Morning, Charlie,” He greeted in his usual emotionless voice.

“Morning, Tom. Finn, Isiah, and Liam are in the stables if you’re looking for them.” Tommy nodded, heading to find his boy; he needed to calm his disquiet. He stopped at the door, seeing Isiah holding Liam on his hip.

“Slowly, Lee. You don’t want to scare her, do you?” He heard Isiah say quietly. Liam shook his head softly, and cautiously lifted his hand up towards the mare. It sniffed softly at the boy’s hand. Liam let out a little giggle, making the corner of Tommy’s mouth curl slightly.

“Tickles,” He whispered to Isiah.

“Yeah, they do that,” Isiah chuckled back. Finn was just standing in the corner watching the other two boys, much like Tom was doing. He and Tommy locked eyes, sent each other a small smile and a nod-silently agreeing to not interrupt.

The mare tilted his head down slightly, giving permission for Liam to pet her. Lee turned to Isiah, his blue eyes full of awe and a silent question.

“Yeah, go on, Lee,” Isiah encouraged, cause Liam to smile and gently run his hand along the mare’s head.

“I’m doing it, iz,” He whisper-yelled excitedly.

“I know,” Isiah replied in a breathy laugh. “I’m proud of you.” If it was possibly, Liam’s smile got even wider. Tommy felt like someone was pulling on his heartstrings. His beautiful boy seemed so thrilled to do something as simple as pet a horse, he wondered if Isiah being there with him made the little boy more excitable.

Suddenly, the bubble was burst as Charlie walked in, followed by curly.

“Right boys, sorry but times up.” Isiah pulled Liam away, placing him back on the ground and taking ahold of his hand. When he turned around a saw tommy, a look of pure shock covered the boys face.

“Hello, Mr Shelby,” He said. Tommy smiled at him.

“Hello, Isiah.”

“Lee, wanted to pet the horse,” He explained nervously.

“I know, Isiah, I saw. I was just checking on on him, but I can see he’s in good hands.”

“Iz,” Lee said, pulling on the older boy’s hand.

“Yeah?”

“Can we play hide and seek? Me, you, and Finn?” Lee looked at Isiah with pure awe, as if the boy was a prophet.

“Yeah, of course we can. Coming Finn?”

“Yep. See you later, Tom.” Finn chirped, following his best friend and nephew.

“See you, boys.” Tommy watched them walk away for a moment, before heading back to work. The worry he once held gone after witnessing the love Isiah seemed to have for his boy.

Taglist:

@the-makingsofgreatness

[slashscowboyboots]

The Blackboard Jungle: All I Want For Christmas Is You (Part 4)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Izzy tweeted!  And in celebration, here’s the final part of this fic

Tag list @izzysdenimjacket​ @no-stone-no-bone​ @sexcoffeeandrockandroll @awrestlinggirlwholoves80sbands ​ @smokeandmirrorz ​ @sodalitefully ​ @roger-taylors-car ​ @harley-m-rose ​ @whisperess33 ​ @shawolat​ ​ @80snikki @rumoured-whispers

Warnings: the f-bomb, total holiday fluff

You wound your way through the department store, dodging people and wanting to puke from all the Christmas music as you searched for your mother a nice gift.  She was the last one you had to buy for, and you wanted to get her just the perfect thing this year.

I think she has plenty of snow globes, you thought, absentmindedly turning one upside down and watching the glitter float down, then heard someone call your name.

You turned and looked into the grinning face of Miss Peterson, Patti’s third-grade teaching cohort.

“Hiiiii, doll,” she chirped.

“Hello, Cindy, how are you?”

“Oh, I’m just great.  Are you shopping for your boyfriend?”

“My boyfriend?  I don’t-”

“Patti told me all about it.  I mean, well she made a long post on Instagram, how the two of you had been friends for so long, good friends, at least she was to you, and you chose that Jeff Isbell over the happiest day of her life-”

“Did she really?” you snapped.  “Well, since the two of you are so close, please tell her I said, ‘Merry Christmas.’”  And go fuck yourselves, you thought, deciding your mother would enjoy a very nice pair of diamond earrings.

It was unbelievable to you, how you and Jeff were the names on everyone’s lips anymore, especially since it was all so mistaken.  It was heartbreaking how everyone thought you were a couple, when you were simply coworkers who were also close friends.

Of course, you were never able to get him out of your head, especially since the Thanksgiving program.  Your combined classes had first traced their hands and colored their drawings in, decorating their turkey pictures with feathers and googly eyes (you stifled a laugh watching the Harrison twins hungrily eyeing the paste, and snorted when you saw Jeff leaping over a chair with his gangly legs to glue their turkey eyes down himself) and enjoying their lunches together.

He had excused himself during the break, and you paused while eating your sandwich, thinking about how really good he was as a teacher, how he never once talked down to the kids or lost his patience with them.  He always had time to listen to them, hanging onto their every word.

And they loved him in return, every single one of them showing them their turkeys the second they finished them, and the amount of praise he heaped on their artwork made you smile.

Putting away your lunch bag with a sigh, you looked up just in time to see a six foot tall turkey, complete with wattles, standing in the doorway of your classroom.  His tail feathers were so impressive he had to turn sideways just to make it through the doorway.

The children erupted in cheers, and Mr. Isbell strode in and fanned his plumage to their great delight, then announced that if they all quieted down, he would read to them, “Bear Gives Thanks.”  After he closed the book, he asked them what they all were thankful for.

He got various answers, from “my new puppy” to “my dad got a new job.”  But the one that stood out the most was from Cicely Brown.  She raised her hand and said in a quiet voice, “Mr. Isbell, I’m thankful for a teacher like you.”

Tears pooled in his eyes, and you heard a catch in his voice when he whispered, “Thank you.”  He turned around (well, awkwardly walked in a circle to turn around) to you and asked, “Miss Y/L/N, what are you thankful for?”

“Hmmm.  I’m thankful for friends.  And I’m thankful for every person that’s in this room.”

His eyes met yours, his smoldering gaze still able to buckle your knees.  “Me too.”

“But I don’t want to be an elf.”

“Oh, c’mon, Y/N, I went and got an elf costume just for you.  Where’s your Christmas spirit?”

You put your hands on your hips and pouted.  “I have plenty of Christmas spirit.  Why can’t I be Mrs. Claus?”

“Because she doesn’t hand out candy canes.  She stays home and entertains strange men while Santa works all night.”

“Oh, she does not!”  You smacked Jeff’s arm, shaking your head.  He really was going to talk you into this getup, wasn’t he?”

You took it from him and he said, “Hurry up and get changed.  I need you to help me put on the Santa suit.”

“Why do you need help?” you called from the coatroom, pulling your green and red striped tights on.

“Because I make a skinny Santa, and I have to hold the belly while you button the jacket.”

When you came out, he had already changed into his Santa pants and boots and was sitting at your desk expectantly holding a pillow over his chest and stomach.

“Jeff, you really should eat more if you want to wear this suit,” you laughed, buttoning the buttons over his padded belly.

He made a face, and you said, “What?”

“Nobody calls me Jeff except for my mom.”

“What do they call you?” you asked, puzzled.

“Izzy.  Or Iz, if you’re into the whole brevity thing.”  He buckled his belt as all the wind left you, then he slapped your elf hat onto your head.  Flicking the bell to make it jingle, he said, “C’mon, Sugar Cookie, let’s make a bunch of little people happy.”

It was entirely possible that you wished all the students a Joyous Holiday and handed them a candy cane after they visited with Santa.  You had no idea if you actually did, the earth had screamed to a halt after you’d heard Jef-uh, Izzy’s admission.

After all the pupils had left, he shot you a delighted grin, then furrowed his eyebrows at you.  “Hey, are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” you said softly.  “I’m….hot.”

“Me too.  Let’s get changed and go back to the party.”

Although you were dazed, you flung your elf costume off in record time, exiting the coatroom in time to see Izzy unbutton his Santa jacket and toss aside his pillow.  He slumped in your chair clad in a white undershirt, slinging an arm against his forehead to wipe off the sweat, and when he dropped it down beside him you could see a tattoo just below his elbow.

Without thinking, you walked over to him and picked up his wrist.  Written in delicate script high on his inner forearm was desperadosdreams.

He tried to pull away from you, then he noticed you gasping for air with tears in your eyes. “Does that make sense to you?” he asked quietly.

You nodded, then pressed your lips to his, leaning down and throwing your arms around his neck.  When you pulled away for a breath, you looked into his eyes, then pushed the sleeve of your shirt up and extended your arm.

“Does that say IZ?” he asked in a halting voice, and you nodded again, then climbed onto his lap for another passionate kiss.  You carded your fingers through his hair as his lips traveled down the front of your throat, then he rubbed his nose against yours as you heard PJ Jones say, “I saw Miss Teacher kissing Santa Claus.  And he liked it!”

“Hi, Ian!” you smiled, holding up your ring finger.

“Hi!” he grinned.  “Ooh, that’s nice!  Congratulations!”

You held your phone toward Izzy.  “Ian, this is Izzy.”

“Oh, shit, he’s cute,” Sia said.  “Hi, Sexy!”

“Izzy, this is Sia.  She’s Ian’s fiancee.”

“Well……” she said, then they both held up their ring fingers.

“Omigosh!  You guys got married?!” you exclaimed.

“Yes!  I had to promote ‘Sharknado’ at the MGM Grand, and well, since we were in Vegas, we-”

Sia interrupted, “We found this Elvis impersonator, and it was so tacky and cool, I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding.”

“Congratulations!  Can you guys come to ours?”

“When is it?” Ian asked, with Sia hollering “Hell yeah!” in the background. 

“Next spring.  We don’t want to wait that long.”  You leaned over and pecked Izzy on the lips.  “We’ve waited our whole lives to find each other, we want our married life to begin as soon as possible.”

Thank you so much for being a part of this fic!  Because of wedding plans and moving and all that good jazz, I won’t be writing fics online anymore, but I will never forget how wonderful it was to have all your support.  Love you always, desperadosdreams

“I do,” you said.

“You bet I do,” Blaze said, sliding your beautiful wedding band on your finger.

“Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.  Blaze, kiss your bride,”

He swept you in his strong arms, spinning you around, then dipped you and kissed you hard, the first kiss of the rest of your lives, as the fiery red sun sank in the horizon behind the two of you.

Now it was time for the two of you to begin your lives together, and dream as one.   And as he kissed you again, you knew you’d found forever, and he had been worth waiting for.

[julessworldd]

Little Rose ch. 5

Warnings: cursing, angst, fighting, overdose, flashbacks(if that’s a warning?), a happy ending..

A/n: I wrote down what this chapter was supposed to be focus on, but I got to writing and the focus changed. This fanfic has really fucked up the original timeline of the band, but it’s fanfic so you gotta do spin offs. Not sure how long, I’ll keep writing for this fic. I love this universe along with my others, I’ve created since bringing my work to the public. I’ll stop talking now. Hope you enjoy! :) sorry i missed any grammar errors, what should be warning. I was starting to have a migrane as I was finishing editing. 

I loved being on tour, seeing the world, watching my brother and his band doing what they enjoy so much. This tour was different from any other before, Erin, my sister-in-law is pregnant. Axl had updated me about her and my peanut, Erin had braxton hicks the last couple months. Peanut loved kicking the hell out of her ribs all through the day and night, heartburn from hell, swollen ankles, sore feet. Poor Erin was exhausted and she wasn’t even due for another 3 weeks. Axl had been on edge, worrying that he would miss the birth of his first child. Their manager told him that we would be back in  LA around a week before she was due. It had helped him some but he was still on egg shells, Axl’s behavior was affecting the band. They never seen him so worrisome before, sure that time I had the flu and food poisoning at the same time. We’re all still so young, none of us really knew what to expect with his daughter on the way. 

Duff was in the shower, I was sitting at the table that was in our room, looking over dates. Some many shows and interviews, I don’t see how they function this shit especially on tour. “Hey Pumpkin, what are you doing over there?”, Duff said. I looked up to see a white towel low on his hips, “Just passing time. Get dressed, you’re dripping all over the floor”, I said. “When is baby Rose due again?”He asked. “Huh oh uh”, I flipped through the planner. “September 24th, if she’s not stubborn. Poor Erin is miserable right now”, I smiled, thinking of Erin all swollen belly, waddling around, mental cursing Axl for making her pregnant. “Izzy and I are betting against Slash that Axl will faint when he’s in the room with Erin”, Duff grinned. “Don’t do that. They’re both scared having their first kid”, I sighed. “I’m sorry I already put 30 bucks on Axl fainting and Erin crushing his hand”, Duff stuck his tongue out. There was a knock on the door, Duff walked over to answer it. 

“Hey Izzy”, Duff said, shutting the door. “Hey Izzy, sleep good?”, I asked, shutting my planner. “We need to talk, Jane”, Izzy gritted his teeth. “What now?”, I sighed, trying to read his body language for signs of withdrawal. Izzy was gonna speak but he fainted, He hit the floor hard and started jerking around. “Izzy!”I ran over to him and tried to get him before he hit the floor. 

I looked over at him, his lips were blue, he was fighting for air, his heart was beating hard as I felt his chest. “Shit!”I started to panic, I looked at Duff. He was stunned and rubbing his chest. Possible overdose and panic attack, great. “Duff, baby. I need to breathe okay? Breathe with me”, I said. “1,2,3 and breathe out on 4. Duff, I need to call the front desk and have them get the paramedics here”, I said calmly. Duff walked over to the phone, “Izzy, come on wake up”, I looked for bloody track marks or a needle stuck in his clothes.  “Ma'am, I need you to move for me. Your friend needs help”, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see a tallish, dark haired behind me. “Yeah, sorry”, I said, walking over to Duff. He tears in his eyes, his breathing was out of rhythm again. “Duff, baby I need you to focus on me, okay? Izzy is gonna be alright. Hey look at me”, I whispered, rubbing his arm. “Miss?”, a tiny femme voice asked. I tore my attention from Duff, “Yeah?” “What’s your friend’s name?”She asked. “Izzy Stradlin, 26, April 8th, 1962”, I realized what she was doing. “Okay thank you. What happened? You two didn't take anything right?”

“He came into our room, said he needed to talk to me about something, he collapsed before he got to me and said what he needed. We didn’t take anything. I’m just gonna save you and your partner trouble. Izzy is on heroin and some sorta pills”, I said, looking at Izzy being pulled on the stretcher. “Alright, thank you. I’m sorry you two witnessed his overdose”, She gave a small smile. “Thanks. I have to tell my brother what happened and we’ll be at the hospital”, I said as Izzy was pushed out of the room. “What the hell?!”, I heard Axl yell. “Janiee!!”He rushed into the room. “What happened to Izzy?”, Axl yelled. “Knock it off, you’ll trigger another panic attack for Duff. Izzy collapsed when he came in here, apparently it’s an overdose according to the medics. Axl, I’m so scared”, I cried, Axl pulled me into his arms. “Shhh, it’s okay. We’ll go see Izzy when we can. I’m not gonna let him join the 27 club a year early or ever”, Axl brushed my hair. 

The doctor finally told us what happened to Izzy, he swallowed his entire pill stash, overdosed into a coma. Highly recommend we cancel our show this week. “You can go see him, but one at a time”, the doctor said. “Janie, you go”, Axl gave a weak smile. “Alright”, I turned the knob and shut the door behind me. Izzy laid still on the bed, wires stuck in him, IV bag by his beside with other machines. His face was pale like a ghost, he looked skinnier than usual. “Izzy, it’s me Janie. Can’t believe you overdosed, I thought you were wanting to get clean. You were over the heroin shit and you started pills. Please wake up Izzy! I need you just a bit longer, you’re my big brother. Who else is gonna listen to me when I’m pissed off at Duff?”, I held his hand. Machines just beeped and oxygen was flowing in his nose. “I read where coma patients can hear what’s going around them. I hope you can hear me because I want you to know that I love you very much. Please get better soon. I’m gonna go now, Axl will be pitching a fit if he doesn’t get to see you”, I smiled.  “Normally you would bitch if I hugged you without asking, but tough shit”, I walked up his bed, to hug him. I held Izzy to me the best I could. His heart was still beating fast, but was slower than this afternoon. His bourbon, smoky, vanilla scent was comforting as always but I was the one having to comfort him. 

“You okay?”, Duff asked. “Oh yeah, I just hate seeing him like that”, I said. “I’m gonna see him now”, Axl whispered. I slid down the wall and brought my knees to my chest. Duff pulled me into his lap, “Is he gonna be okay? He looks so pitiful, Duffy”, I asked, holding his hand. “He’s a fighter, little scrappy but yes, he’ll be okay. I know you told him to get better, he always listens to you. Izzy bitches about it but he does it anyways”, Duff whispered. “Yeah”, I smiled a little

 “Now, Janie, I have a friend coming over. Please don’t bother us, I don’t want the little sister crap.”, Bill said. “Alright Billy, I’ll stay out but I wanna meet the poor soul that decided to be friends with you, chicken legs”, I rolled my eyes. “Fine, you can say hi but then you go to your room or go talk to Amy”, Bill groaned. The doorbell rang, “I got it”, Bill said, racing to the door.  “Hey, glad you could make it.”, Bill said. “Hey. Sorry it took so long, mom wasn’t at home. She doesn't like my brothers to be alone”, a voice said. “I understand that. I have three siblings”, Bill laughed. Bill’s friend walked in as Bill shut the door. “This is my younger sister, Janet, but we call her Janie for short”, Bill said, rolling his eyes. “Hi”, I blushed. “Hi yourself. My name’s Jeff, but everyone knows me by Izzy”, the brown headed boy said. Izzy was looking at me, I felt weird and pulled my sweatshirt sleeve down. “Alright, Janie. Leave now”, Bill said. 

Another flashback

I was searching for Bill, he was nowhere to be found. “You promised me that you would bring me home, Billy”, I cried even more. My boyfriend had broken up with me because he wanted Jackie Anderson, head cheerleader. I passed the bleachers heading towards home. “Janie?”, I heard a familiar voice. I turned around and saw Izzy with the stoners(his buddies) and Pam Macy hanging on his arm. “Hey, what happened? You’re crying”, Izzy threw his cigarette bud down and walked towards me. “Eric broke up with me. Said I wasn’t good enough and that I wasn’t a cheerleader, he wanted to be with the head cheerleader instead.”, I tried to hold my tears back. “I’m sorry Janie, he was an asshole anyways. You’re a good girl and any guy would be lucky to have you. It’s his lost and Bill and I hated him.”, Izzy reached up to pet my hair. “Thanks Iz. I’m gonna go home now”, I tried to push by him. He had my wrist, “Come on, I’ll take you for food. My treat”, Izzy smiled. “What about Pam?”, I asked. “You’re my favorite girl and you’re heartbroken, I gotta pay attention to you now”, Izzy smirked. 

“You’ve never listened to the Stones? Janie!”, Izzy threw his head back groaning. “I’m sorry that my step dad thinks that rock n’ roll is devil’s music”, I said. The bell rang, someone had walked in. “Janie! There you are!”, Bill said, rushing to our table. “Bill, lay off. I found her”, Izzy said. Bill looked at my face, “What happened? You were crying” “Eric broke up with me today for a cheerleader”, I said almost crying. “She passed the bleachers and I saw her. I decided to bring her for food”, Izzy said. “Thanks Izzy. I’m sorry about Eric, he was just an asshole anyways”, Bill pulled me into his chest. “Izzy said the same thing”, I said. “I know, I was at the meeting”, Bill laughed. I looked at Izzy and smiled. He winked at me. 

That was when I realized  Izzy was the older brother I always wish I had besides Axl. He was protected and took care of me, I love him for it. “Janie”, Axl said. “Yeah?”, I looked up at him, Duff was holding his hand out for me. Management had come to me about Izzy overdosing well fainting in my room. They wanted to know if I knew what caused Izzy to swallow his entire pill stash. I decided to turn on the radio for a while, sure enough ‘Paint it Black’ came on. First Stones’ song Izzy showed me, it was in his car when he brought me to smoke weed with him near Chicago. 

It had been 96 hours since Izzy was in a coma, he finally woke up and we all rushed to the hospital to see him. “Janie, you go in first”, Axl said. “Why? He’s your best friend”, I sassed. “Lady’s first”, Slash grinned. “Fine”, I walked in. There was a nurse taking Izzy’s vitals when I walked in. “Are you family?”, The blonde nurse asked. “Baby sister”, Izzy answered before I could think of something. “Oh well. I’m done here for now, you can come see your brother”, She smiled. “Thank you”, I said. “Hey Kid, just woke up from a killer nap”, Izzy joked. “Jeffery Dean! You fucking overdoesed because you decided to swallow your pills like candy. Don’t joke about that, you could have actually died. You know what? Fuck your joke, you had us worried to death. Izzy, you fell in mine and Duff’s room in front of us. You came in and said you had something to tell me. Duff barely closed the door before you collapsed on the floor”, I was fuming. “I’m sorry Janie. Management told me to get rid of them, housekeeping found one of my stashes. I panicked.”, Izzy said. “So instead of flushing them like a normal person you popped them like Tic Tacs like some manic?”, I rolled my eyes. Izzy stayed silent. “Your turn Ax”, I said walking out. 

Axl and the boys walked in and I decided to go get a coffee from downstairs. I walked up to the nursing station, “Uh hi. Do you have any idea when Izzy Stradlin is being discharged?” “Hi, what’s the birthday?”, a petite brunette smiled. “7-8-62”, I nodded. “Looks like he needs a doctor to talk to him about his overdose and a last check up then he should be released maybe this evening”,She said. “Are they gonna send him to rehab?”, I asked. “Looks like it might be possibly, he was in a coma for 4 days”, She said. “Are you his girlfriend?”She stood up. “No, more like the baby sister he never had”, I gave a small smile.  “Janie?”, Steven said. “Yeah? Izzy okay?”, I walked over to him. “Izzy’s fine, but we need to talk to you”, Steven said. “Okay”, I followed behind. “Listen, this is your sister, friend and now girlfriend talk not our assistant right now”, Steven stopped, before we reached Izzy’s room. I nodded my head. Everyone was sitting down, Izzy was lying down. “Hey”, I shut the door.

“What happened four days ago was hell, we almost lost Izzy. After, you left Izzy told us how you yelled at him for his drug stash. We’ve made the decision to go to rehab together”, Axl said. “That’s great, but you have a kid on the way.”, I said. “We’re going after she’s born, pretty sure Izzy is going first anyways. We’re gonna go to the same place together”, Axl reassured. “Not to be a bitch, but why was I brought into this. This is a band thing not the singer’s sister and the band”, I looked at Izzy. “You’ve been here since the beginning, we value your opinion”, Slash finally spoke up from leaning on the wall. The doctor came into the discharge Izzy, the band went different ways.  “Seeing Izzy overdose in our room, you run to him with fear in your eyes. I realized that I don’t want that to be me and you freaking out”, Duff said. “Not sure what to say, but I really hope you guys get clean and stay clean. I don’t want to lose my boys so soon”, I hugged him. “You can’t get rid of me that easy, Janie”, Duff held me. “Good, I don’t want to get rid of you yet either”, I said, inhaling his scent. 

Izzy got discharged and we flew back to L.A. before Erin gave birth. Almost 5 days that we got back, Erin gave birth to the new addition to the Guns N’ Roses’ family.  Sarah Aless Rose-Everly, 7lbs and 4oz. 

[keichanz]

Little Visits || pt. 1

part two will be posted soon.

“Taisho Brothers Inc., this is Nazuna, how may I direct your call?”

Across from the reception desk, the elevator doors opened but the secretary didn’t look away from her computer as she said, “I’m terribly sorry sir, I’m afraid Mr. Taisho is in a meeting right now, but I’d be happy to take a message if you’d like.”

Grateful for the headset that freed both of her hands, Nazuna snatched a pen to quickly scrawl out the brief message on the small note pad for such a purpose and bit back a sigh as the man on the other end continued to drone on. Now she understood why Tōran hated answering calls from this particular client; he never shut up.

“No, I’m not sure how long it will last—er, about forty-five minutes ago. Yes, I’ll be sure to give him the message,” she promised and barely refrained from rolling her eyes.   “Of course. You’re very welcome, Mr. Yanada. Yes, I will deliver it personally—you too. Bye, now.”

Ending the call, Nazuna sighed and eyed her nearly empty cup of coffee. Perhaps it was time for a refill.

“I hope that wasn’t my Mr. Taisho you’re referring to,” a kind female voice piped up and Nazuna lifted her head.

“Mrs. Taisho!” the secretary greeted in pleasant surprise and she received a warm smile in response. She smiled back and replied, “Ah, don’t worry, that call was for Sesshomaru. Tōran is on vacation this week and all of his calls are getting forwarded to me.”

Kagome winced and gave a sympathetic smile. “Ouch. Busy week, hm?”

Nazuna sighed and shrugged. “Just a few more days and then I can breathe again. I was just thinking it’s time to get some more of that lifesaving caffeinated liquid when I took that call.”

Caramel colored eyes lit up and hitching the toddler in her arm higher up on her hip, Kagome stepped forward and set down on the desk a fresh cup of java from the café across the street.

“You’re in luck,” Kagome said with a friendly wink. “They got my order wrong and added an extra shot of espresso. It’s too bitter for me, and it sounds like you need it more than I do anyway.”

Nazuna practically had stars in her eyes as she wrapped her hands around the warm paper cup and beamed at her boss’s generous, beautiful wife.

“You are a lifesaver, Mrs. Taisho,” the younger woman gushed, inhaling the delicious-smelling steam with a delighted sigh. “Thank you so much. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

Kagome waved her hand. “It’s fine, I promise. It would have probably just gotten dumped since neither of us are a fan of espresso, and anyway the real reason we stopped in was because Iz wanted to surprise Daddy with his favorite treat. Right, baby?”

Cradled in her arm, one-year old Izayoi briefly turned her head from where it rested on her mother’s shoulder to peek shyly at the smiling receptionist, a brown paper bag with her father’s favorite baked good clutched in her tiny hand.

Nazuna’s face softened and she barely resisted the urge to squeal. Her boss had the most adorable baby!

“Hi, Izayoi,” the secretary greeted with a little finger-wave.

Kagome watched in amusement as her toddler blinked before abruptly hiding again, smashing her face against her shoulder and wrapping her small arms around her neck.

Nazuna giggled while Kagome shook her head, but not without a smile. “So shy,” she said and kissed her daughter between her furry little tears before turning to Nazuna again.

“He’s in his office,” the younger woman supplied with a knowing smile before Kagome could inquire. “I’ll hold his calls. I’m sure he’d be glad for a break himself.”

Kagome beamed. “You’re the best, Zune. I owe you another cup of coffee and anything you want at the café next time I visit.”

The secretary’s eyes glittered as she replied, “I’m quite partial to those yogurt parfaits with the strawberries and their caramel mocha lattes…”

Kagome giggled and winked as she rounded the desk toward where her husband’s office was located. “You got it. Thanks again, Nazuna!”

“Anytime, Mrs. Taisho!” She lifted her newly gifted cup of coffee up and watched as the two disappeared. Her boss was truly a lucky man to have such an amazing wife and adorable little girl. Now if only she could be so lucky…

Sighing wistfully, Nazuna took a sip of her coffee, moaned in delight, then got back to work, rejuvenated.

Unsurprisingly her husband’s office door was closed and Kagome knelt before it to set their one-year old on the floor. Izayoi blinked at her as Kagome smoothed out her cute little dress and dropped a kiss to her nose. The toddler beamed and with a smile, Kagome tweaked her ear, reached over her head, and swung open the door.

Inuyasha was immersed in his work, frowning at his computer screen as he typed up one of the seemingly millions of reports that were due when his office door suddenly opened of its own violation and the scent that drifted in gave him pause.

He froze and amber eyes quickly darted to the door, wondering if she was really here or if he was smelling things. The doorway was empty and Inuyasha frowned, eyes narrowing as a sneaking suspicion made the corners of his lips twitch upward, and then not even a second later his suspicions were confirmed when a very familiar toddler waddled into his office, clutching a paper bag and his heart positively melted at the radiant smile that split her face when she spotted him.

“Babygirl!” Immediately abandoning his work, Inuyasha stood from his chair only to kneel down as his daughter came zooming across the floor toward him as fast as her little legs could carry her.  

Grinning Inuyasha wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her little face as he stood back up, ears flicking as the click of his door closing registered, but he only had eyes for his little girl.

“Daddy!” Izayoi laughed and hugged him around his neck, giggling when he laid a big wet kiss on her pudgy little cheek.

“What’re you doing here?” Inuyasha murmured even though he already had a very good idea. “Come to surprise daddy, huh?”

Leaning back, Izayoi grinned and waved around the brown paper bag she still gripped in her hand.

“Mama,” she said and allowed her father to take the bag from her.

“Way to rat me out, Iz,” Mama said as she ambled toward them and two sets of amber eyes swung her way.

“Kinda hard to be ratted out when your target has a working nose,” Inuyasha drawled, aiming a crooked grin at his wife as he opened his arm and beckoned her over. “I’ll give you an A for effort, though, Mrs. Taisho.”

“You ruin all my good surprises,” Kagome murmured as she wrapped her arms around his waist and tipped her head back to receive his loving kiss with a smile.

“Not my fault,” he rumbled and kissed her again.

“It’s totally your fault.”

“Prove it.” He nuzzled her nose with his and grinned at her little huff of annoyance, but her eyes glittered with amusement.

When all his wife did was wrinkle her nose and level him with a familiar look of exasperation, Inuyasha chuckled and dropped one last soft kiss to her lips before reluctantly pulling back. Kagome tweaked his ear then hitched herself up onto his desk while he sank back down into his chair with Izayoi on his lap. His eyebrows rose in surprise when he noticed she seemed to have helped herself to the contents of the back and his wife sighed in resignation when she noticed, too.

With half a chocolate chip cookie in her mouth, Izayoi blinked great big eyes the color of honey at her father then gave a toothy grin. He shook his head and kissed her nose.

“How’d it go?” Inuyasha asked and slipped his hand inside the bag to steal a cookie before his sneaky daughter polished them all off.

Kagome shrugged and idly surveyed his desk, frowning when she spotted a familiar pair of glasses peeking out from under a stack of papers.

“Everything’s good,” she answered, reaching over to pluck the glasses out from their hiding place. “She was a very good girl and held still when she got her flu shot and her checkup went smoothly. She got a sticker for being such a good girl, didn’t you, sweetie? Show daddy your sticker.”

Eyes widening, Izayoi faced the older half-demon and proudly thrust her hand in his face with a huge grin, displaying the princess sticker on the back of her hand that read, “Great job, Princess!”

“Oooh,” Inuyasha murmured on cue, taking the tiny hand in his own and inspecting the pink glittery sticker. “I’m jealous. Can Dad have a sticker, too?”

Izayoi giggled and shook her head, holding her hand to her chest to protect her precious sticker.

“No? Well then how about I just take yours, then,” he said before promptly bringing her tiny hand to his mouth and pretending to eat it.

The toddler squealed and shook her head, trying to take her hand back. “No, no, no, no Daddy!” she said through her laughter and used her other hand to push at his face.

Inuyasha tried to eat that hand too and from her spot on his desk Kagome watched in amusement as their daughter wriggled around on his lap while her husband made ridiculous “nom nom nom” noises. Eventually Izayoi escaped his grasp and started exploring his office, waddling to and fro with a magnifying glass she’d pilfered from her father’s desk.

Content to let her wander around, Inuyasha sat back in his chair and promptly stuffed a half-eaten cookie in his mouth.

“Why aren’t you wearing these?” Kagome asked, holding up those damned reading glasses and Inuyasha wrinkled his nose as he swallowed his mouthful.

“They make me feel old,” Inuyasha begrudgingly admitted and glared at the offending item dangling from his wife’s fingers. His sight was fine, dammit. He didn’t need them.

Kagome’s lips twitched. “You are old.”

“Hey!” Inuyasha protested and caught his mischievous little wife before she could escape, dragging her onto his lap.  Kagome snickered and made herself comfortable, wrapping her arms around his neck and crossing her legs where they were draped over his thighs.

“I think they make you look sexy,” Kagome purred and kissed his jaw.

Inuyasha smirked and slipped his arms around her waist. “Yeah?”

“Mmhm,” his wife hummed and she was smiling as he rested his forehead against her own and brushed his lips against hers.

“Thanks,” he whispered and promptly tucked his face into the crook of her neck, heaving a sigh as he tightened his arms around his beloved.

Kagome’s eyebrows rose and a bemused smile curled her lisp as she ran a hand through his hair and rubbed his ears. A giggle from Izayoi prompted her to look over to discover their daughter had discovered the bookshelf and was sitting on the floor with what looked to be an encyclopedia spread out before her.

“What for?” she asked gently, moving her hand down to massage the nape of his neck.

Inuyasha’s pleased growl told her how much he appreciated that gesture so she kept it up, humming quietly under her breath as she waited for her hanyou to answer.

“You,” he finally said a minute later, leaning back with a sigh and aiming one of his loving smiles he reserved just for his family. “Her. This. I needed it.”

Heart full of love for this amazing man, Kagome tugged him down and they shared a long, slow, lingering kiss that bespoke of utter content and all the love they harbored for one another.

“Muh,” a high-pitched voice interrupted followed by an insistent tugging on Inuyasha’s pants and breaking apart, both parents glanced down to find their toddler frowning up at them and bouncing on the balls of her feet, clearly wanting in on the affection.

Inuyasha snorted, Kagome laughed, and then clawed hands reached down to oblige the little girl, lifting her up and settling her on her mother’s lap. A second later she was bombarded with kisses and hugs from her parents and Izayoi’s laughter rang loud and clear, happy, genuine, and pure.

[rhosyn-du]

Title: A Wonderful Institution Artist: @bidnezz​ Pairings: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, various background pairings Word Count: ~53k Warnings: graphic depictions of violence, discrimination against Downworlders, reference to rape, Clave-typical homophobia, implied character death, minor character death Summary: Magnus doesn’t have time for this bullshit. Warlocks are disappearing in New York City—five people in less than three months—and Magnus is determined to find them and protect the rest of his people from whatever took them. He doesn’t have time for politics, and he certainly doesn’t have time for whatever nonsense the Clave is proposing about marrying a Shadowhunter to a Downworlder as part of the new Accords. He doesn’t really have time for a pretty Shadowhunter who’s surprisingly kind to warlock children, either, but, well, he’s always been good at multitasking.

Alec always knew he couldn’t have what he wanted, but he’s spent the nearly four years since the newly-appointed Consul recalled his parents to Idris without explanation making the best of what he can have. When life suddenly offers up almost everything Alec actually wants on a silver platter, he can’t quite bring himself to trust it, especially when it comes with a million caveats and a side of impending disaster. But he knows how to handle disasters, even if the return of the Circle on top of Clave secrets that could destroy the Accords is way beyond the disasters he’s used to fielding. Hope, on the other hand? He doesn’t know what to do with that.

This fic was created for the @malecdiscordserver​​ Mini Bang 2020.

Chapter One

Magnus should have taken it as a sign when, instead of sending the information he asked for, the Spiral Council insisted upon an in-person meeting. He should, at the very least, have rescheduled cocktail night, but he wasn’t about to let politics or the headache that had been building behind his eyes all day interfere with standing traditions. If nothing else, he desperately needed someone to drink with.

“How is it,” Catarina asked as she slid into their usual booth, “that I just finished a ten-hour shift at the hospital, and you still look more worn out than I do?”

Magnus shook his head, raising his glass. “Drink first, my dear. Then talk. This is not a conversation anyone wants to have sober.”

“Cheers, then,” Catarina said, lifting her glass. “No Raphael tonight?”

“He’s overseeing the integration of a new fledgling. Ragnor also sent his regrets.”

“Ragnor has sent his regrets every week since 2003,” Catarina muttered into her cosmopolitan.

“And will continue to do so for years to come, I’m sure,” Magnus said.

“We’ll see about that. Come here.” Catarina motioned for Magnus to join her on her side of the booth.

Confused, Magnus joined her. “What are we—? Are we taking a selfie?”

“We,” she answered, smiling up at her phone, “are showing Ragnor how much fun we’re having without him, so he’ll be jealous and forced to show up for cocktail night sometime this decade.”

Magnus held up his drink, toasting the camera as Catarina snapped a photo, then frowned. “Since when does Ragnor have a smart phone?” he asked, watching Catarina tap out a text. “Or any kind of phone, for that matter.”

“Last month, I think?” she answered. “Raphael got it for him. Said texting was more convenient than fire messages, but honestly I think he just likes to give Ragnor a hard time about being such a Luddite.”

“But now I can’t tease him about still being stuck in the nineteenth century,” Magnus complained. “Also, how do you have his number and I don’t?”

“I’m guessing the same reason you look like you haven’t slept in the past month. You’ve been a little hard to get a hold of recently.”

Magnus made a noise of grumpy agreement.

“You want to talk about it?” Catarina asked.

“Why don’t you tell me about your week first?” Magnus suggested. “I’m still not ready to think about mine.”

Magnus was on his third bourbon on the rocks when Catarina finally got him talking about his own day and the disastrous meeting with the Spiral Council.

“Five warlocks missing in less than three months, and they brushed it aside like it’s nothing,” Magnus told her. “They called me there like they actually had information, but no, just ‘we haven’t heard anything, we’ll keep an ear out’ and then straight into this absolute nonsense with the Clave.” He drained the last of his glass and conjured another, too worked up to bother walking over to the bar to order. “As if it’s not suspicious enough that they want to renew the Accords years earlier than scheduled, as if marrying a Downworlder to a Shadowhunter as part of the terms isn’t among the most terrible ideas in the Clave’s grand library of terrible ideas.”

“Let me guess,” Catarina said. “They want you to be a part of the negotiations?”

“Oh, no,” Magnus said, waving his glass in a way that would, in anyone else’s hand, have sent the drink sloshing over the sides. “If they wanted that, it would be annoying enough, but they actually had the gall to suggest I should put my name in for consideration as the Downworld representative in this disaster-in-the-making political marriage.”

Catarina made a strangled noise that might have been outrage but might also have just been choking on her drink. “They actually…” She shook her head. “The Spiral Council wants you to marry a Shadowhunter? And they think this will prevent war with the Clave?”

Magnus shook his head. “No, no, they don’t actually want me to marry anyone. They just want my name on the list. Something about how much it would mean to have such a visible sign of my support. Which they will not get, because, as I explained to them repeatedly and at great length, I do not support any of this. And that’s not even getting into my lack of confidence in their assurances that I wouldn’t be chosen.”

“They’re probably right about that,” Catarina told him. “Rumor is the Clave is putting forward one of the Lightwood children, and I can’t imagine a world where Maryse and Robert Lightwood would allow one of their offspring to marry you.”

“Somehow, the council failed to mention that part.” Probably because they knew how Magnus would react. This lunacy was bad enough without the Clave deciding the child of two former Circle members, one of whom was rumored to be the Consul’s personal enforcer, was the best person to make a political alliance with the Downworld. “That’s a bullet I’m more than happy to have dodged.”

“What, you don’t see yourself having a mad, passionate romance with a Lightwood?” Catarina teased.

Magnus wrinkled his nose in distaste. “As amusing as it would be to see the look on Maryse Lightwood’s face if I did, no. I would rather marry a Ravener demon.” He took a long pull of his whiskey. “I would rather marry Lorenzo Rey.” He drained his glass, setting it down on the table with a resounding thump. “I would rather see acid wash jeans as the height of fashion for the next three and a half centuries.”

“Only three and a half?” Catarina laughed. “Not four?”

“Even a Lightwood couldn’t be that bad,” Magnus told her. “Another round?”

“That’s all for me. I’ve got another shift in the ER tomorrow, and the last thing I need is a hangover to go with it. I’m happy to keep you company, though. Seems like you could use it.”

“Your company is very much appreciated, as always,” Magnus said. “I’ll just—”

Magnus’s train of thought as well as his sentence were effectively derailed by the arrival of a fire message. He plucked it from the air with a frown that only deepened as he read.

“It looks like that’s the last drink for me, as well,” Magnus said, gathering his coat from the seat beside him.

“Anything I can help with?” Catarina asked, nodding toward the paper in Magnus’s hand.

“I’ll certainly take it if you’re offering,” Magnus answered slowly. “This could be very bad.” He couldn’t, after all, think of any good reason Iris Rouse would be calling him for help.

“Alec, you aren’t listening to me.”

Alec took a deep, calming breath, focusing on fastening the buckles of his thigh holster rather than how very done he was having this conversation for the hundredth time.

“I am listening, Iz,” he said, sliding the last buckle into place. “I just still disagree with you. And since this is my life and not yours, my opinion is the one that matters.”

Izzy grabbed his arm, forcing him to face her. “This can’t actually be what you want. If Mom and Dad are pressuring you into this—”

Alec snorted. “Trust me, Mom and Dad aren’t pressuring me into anything.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. They weren’t pressuring him into this, not really. His mother made her disapproval quite clear, for all that she’d also said this marriage was necessary for the updated Accords.

Izzy’s eyes told him she wasn’t convinced. “I know Mom has said some things about how you should be looking for a wife,” she said.

“I’m pretty sure Mother meant I should marry a nice Shadowhunter girl,” Alec said. “Come on, Iz, do you really see our parents pressuring me into marrying a Downworlder? Even for the Accords?”

“Then why?” Her hand on his arm was a gentle pressure now, cajoling rather than demanding. “You keep saying this is your decision, but you won’t tell me why you’re making it.”

Alec sighed. This wasn’t something he wanted to talk about, not even with Izzy, but it was clear she wasn’t going to let it drop until he did. “Because someone needs to do it, and I at least won’t resent it.”

“Are you sure about that, big brother?” Izzy’s eyes were intent on his, and Alec both loved and hated how she could always see his deepest doubts and fears, even when he’d pushed them down so far he could almost forget them himself. “You deserve to be happy, Alec. You deserve to fall in love with someone who loves you just as much. And I think that’s what you want, too.”

“It doesn’t matter what I want,” he said, shaking off her hand. “This is what I’ve chosen.” This was what he could have. At least in an explicitly political marriage to a Downworlder, no one would expect him to act like he was in love with his wife or ask questions if they didn’t have children.

If he were very lucky, maybe his future wife would be open to adoption.

“But you can still make a different choice!” Izzy insisted.

“Isabelle,” he said. “Drop it.” 

Izzy opened her mouth to speak again, but Alec cut her off. “Come on, we’ve got a mission.”

He stalked out of the room before Izzy could say anything else, but her irritated huff of breath as she followed him to the ops center told Alec she wasn’t anywhere near as done with the conversation as he was.

They picked up the trail of Ravener demons just east of Prospect Park. Signs indicated maybe six or seven in the pack, which was worrisome since the original sighting was of more than twice that number.

“I can trace the trail back, see if it splits,” Jace suggested. “You guys follow this one and I’ll catch up with you.”

“All right,” Alec said after a moment’s hesitation, “but if it does split, call the Institute and have them send another team, then catch up with me and Iz. Do not go after the other group on your own.”

“Obviously,” Jace said, completely at odds with the hint of a smirk that told Alec that was exactly what he’d been planning to do.

Alec just barely refrained from rolling his eyes.

A quarter mile on, the trail split again, and Alec nodded to Izzy, indicating he’d follow left and she should follow right. He didn’t bother telling his sister to be careful. She might not always be exactly prudent, but she was very good at gauging what she could and couldn’t handle in a fight and had significantly better self-preservation instincts than Alec’s parabatai.

Alec made it another three blocks before he caught sight of one of the demons, darting from behind a dumpster to slink down a dark alleyway. Activating his night vision rune, he pulled an arrow from his quiver and turned down the alleyway after the demon.

There was no movement in the alley, no sound to be heard over the ambient noise of the surrounding streets. Alec scanned each dumpster that lined the alley, each pile of debris, searching for the place the Raveners had to be hiding. Ravener demons were fast, but not fast enough to make it to the far end of the alley so quickly.

A small sound drew Alec’s attention. It wasn’t the scuffling he expected, but instead something that sounded almost like a tiny, muffled sob. He focused on the area it came from, arrow nocked and ready.

It took Alec a few seconds to really register what he was seeing, sticking out from behind a pile of broken-down boxes. The toe of a small shoe. As he watched, the shoe retreated behind the boxes.

Alec lowered his bow as he moved toward the pile of boxes. Not all the way, because there was still a Ravener around here somewhere, but enough that he could approach without pointing it directly at the hiding child.

He debated speaking, which might put the child more at ease, but could also attract the attention of the Ravener, and any of its buddies that might be hanging around. He didn’t know who the demons were hunting, either. With so many at once, it was almost certain they’d been summoned by a warlock to track and probably capture or kill someone, and Alec couldn’t begin to imagine why someone would go to that kind of trouble for a kid, so they probably weren’t the target, but he didn’t want to take the chance that he was wrong, especially since the kid was clearly hiding from something.

Splitting the difference between the two options, Alec dropped to a crouch when he drew even with the pile of boxes and spoke in a soft voice.

“Hi there.”

He waited a beat, and when no reply seemed forthcoming, continued. “You don’t have to come out if you don’t want to, but this isn’t a safe place to be right now.”

Still, nothing.

“Okay, well, if you don’t want to come out, is it okay if I come back there with you for a minute? I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

Again, silence. Alec waited.

After at least a full minute of silence, Alec heard movement behind the pile of boxes, and suddenly he was faced with a terrified-looking little girl. She looked to be maybe six or seven years old, if Alec had to guess, and even though fear was evident in her eyes and posture, she met Alec’s eyes without flinching and there were tiny blue flames flickering across the fingers of one small hand.

Alec forced himself to keep a relaxed posture, even as he kept alert for any sign of the Ravener demon. It was just barely possible that the Raveners were after a warlock child, although Alec still couldn’t imagine who would send a pack that size after a kid, even a warlock kid.

“That’s a good hiding place,” he said conversationally. “I almost didn’t notice you.”

The girl regarded him with somber eyes.

“Can I walk you back home to make sure you get there safely?” he asked.

This time, she shook her head emphatically, but the flames around her fingers died, which Alec took as a good sign.

“Okay,” he said. “We can stay here for a while if you want, but I need you to promise that if anything happens, you’ll get behind me, okay? There are some scary things out here, and you don’t have to face them by yourself.”

The girl cocked her head to the side, considering, then nodded.

“Cool gills,” Alec commented, nodding at the girl’s neck. That got him a tiny, shy smile. “I’m Alec.”

The girl chewed her bottom lip, then said softly, “I’m Madzie.”

Before Alec could respond, a Ravener sprang from the shadows of a nearby dumpster, heading straight toward them. In one smooth move, Alec turned on his knee, placing himself squarely between the girl and the demon, and let an arrow fly.

He didn’t bother to watch the arrow find its mark—he knew it would—already turning to loose another arrow at one of the two demons approaching from the other direction. The second demon was too close to use his bow by that time, so Alec pulled his seraph blade from the sheath along his thigh and rose from his crouch to drive the blade straight into the demon’s chest. He felt a faint, sharp pain in his knee, probably a rock or piece of broken glass he’d kneeled on. He’d deal with it later.

A sound from the mouth of the alley had Alec spinning again, seraph blade abandoned in favor of his bow once again. He had an arrow nocked and ready before he properly registered what he was seeing. The man standing in front of him, watching him with open curiosity and something else that made Alec’s breath catch in his throat, was most definitely not a Ravener demon.

The door to Iris Rouse’s home stood open several inches when Magnus and Catarina stepped out of the portal on her front stoop. It hadn't been broken down or torn from its hinges or apparently forced open in any way, which Magnus might have considered a good sign under different circumstances. Given the recent disappearances, however, the door hanging peacefully ajar seemed ominous.

The two warlocks entered cautiously, but the house was eerily silent and apparently empty, with nothing to indicate that even a struggle had taken place. It was an all too familiar scene.

Magnus swore softly. It wasn't just a missing warlock this time, though. There was also the matter of Iris's message. Please, you have to save the children.

“We’ll need to search the house,” he told Catarina. “Not that I expect to find more here than I have anywhere else.”

“You never know,” she said. “Today could be your lucky day.”

“Seems unlikely, given how the day has gone so far.”

They decided to search top to bottom, and both agreed that splitting up would be a terrible idea. The first two rooms yielded nothing, exactly as Magnus expected. The third door, however, gave the first sign of something out of place. For one thing, it held two sets of bunk beds and a crib, plus a number of stuffed animals and a toy box tucked away in a corner. For another, the window stood open wide, white lace curtains fluttering in the breeze.

Catarina looked over the room, eyebrows raised. “Did you know anything about Iris raising kids?”

Magnus shook his head. “I haven’t spoken to Iris Rouse in over two centuries. I knew she was living in Brooklyn, obviously, but we were never exactly friendly, and we’ve been happy to keep right on avoiding each other. I guess this does give some context for her message, though.”

Catarina made a noise of agreement, kneeling to examine a stuffed rabbit that lay on the floor.

Magnus turned to look out the window, where a tree branch bobbed lazily in the wind. It wasn’t sturdy enough to hold his weight, but he thought it just might have been sturdy enough for someone smaller to grab a hold of and shimmy down, if they were determined enough.

“I think—”

A faint sound caught Magnus’s attention, causing him to pause mid-sentence. Catarina nodded, and gestured toward the closet. She’d heard it, too.

Magnus made a motion for Catarina to stay behind him as he approached the closet door. He wasn’t sure what to expect when he used his magic to fling the closet open, but it definitely was not the mundane woman who launched herself at him, teeth bared and fists flying.

Magnus stepped back, raising a hand to restrain her with magic. For a moment, the house was still and silent again. Then, the silence was broken by the unmistakable wail of an infant.

“You can’t take him,” the woman snarled, struggling against her magical bonds. “I won’t let you.”

It was a ridiculous thing for her to say. A mundane woman—barely more than a girl, Magnus realized, now that he was really looking at her—didn’t have a chance against two warlocks. But there was no doubt in Magnus’s mind that she meant what she said. If he and Catarina tried to take the baby nestled among the blankets at the bottom of the closet, this woman would do everything in her power to stop them.

“We’re not here to take anyone,” Magnus said in his most soothing voice.

“We’re friends of Iris’s,” Catarina added. Not exactly true, but close enough. “I’m Catarina, and this is Magnus. We’re here to help.”

The woman still looked suspicious, but when neither of them made any move toward the closet, she stopped fighting the bonds. Magnus released her as soon as she looked like she wasn’t in danger of trying to commit violence upon him. She immediately ran to the closet and scooped the infant up in her arms.

“I’m Leigh,” the woman told them, rocking the baby as its cries subsided. “They took Iris, and the children, too. I hid Noah, and I think Madzie might have gotten away, but I don’t know. There were just so many of them.”

“Who did?” Magnus asked. “Who took Iris and the children?”

Leigh frowned, her face going slightly vacant. “I don’t know. There were so many of them. They weren’t there, and then suddenly they were, but…” She looked at him, face all confusion. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

Which, of course, it wouldn’t, to a mundane. Except this mundane was apparently living with a warlock. Or at least babysitting for one. So, when the kidnappers dropped the glamor that kept them hidden, it seemed to her that they appeared out of nowhere.

Magnus had been paying more attention to Leigh than to the child, listening to her confused explanation, but he caught Catarina’s pointed look at him, then at the baby in the woman’s arms. She, at least, had been paying attention to the child.

Magnus glanced at the infant. At first, he didn’t see it, but then the baby blinked, and a second set of eyelids, like those of a raptor, closed across its eyes. The infant was a warlock.

“You’ve been through something very traumatic,” Catarina said, slipping into the voice Magnus had heard her use with patients. “It’s normal to be confused. Why don’t you sit down for a minute?”

“I…” Leigh still looked dazed. “Yes, thank you.”

“You said the people who came here took Iris and the children,” Magnus said. “What can you tell us about the children? It could help us locate them.” Not that he had high hopes, if they were warlocks like the baby. He hadn’t been able to track a single warlock who had disappeared. He couldn’t even sense their magic, which meant they were most likely dead, although no bodies had turned up.

“Madzie is the oldest,” Leigh said. “She went out the window when those things—” She stopped, shaking her head. “When the people broke in, and we saw them grab Dierdre and Indra. They must have broken in. I wanted to go, too, but I didn’t think the tree could hold my weight, and anyway I couldn’t climb down with Noah, and I couldn’t leave him.” Her voice was climbing, becoming more panicked.

“So, you took him and hid in the closet,” Magnus finished for her. “It was a good plan. You said Madzie escaped out the window?” he asked, latching on to the one piece of information that might be useful. If a child had escaped, there was still a chance he might be able to find her.

Leigh nodded. “I heard them come into the room after. I thought for sure they were going to find us, but they never came near the closet. I heard them follow Madzie out the window.” She frowned. “Except, that doesn’t make sense, either. Because an adult shouldn’t be able to climb down that tree, so maybe…” She trailed off, shaking her head.

Adult humans, no. But demons? There were plenty of demons small enough to climb down that tree. Hell, there were plenty of demons that could scale the side of the building, and several varieties that could fly.

“Can you show me something of Madzie’s?” Magnus asked. If he had something of the girl’s, if he wasn’t too late, he could track her. He might even be able to find her before the demons did. Or at least find the demons.

“Something of— Why?”

“Something familiar to comfort her when we find her,” Catarina lied smoothly.

“Oh,” Leigh said. “Oh, of course. There,” she said, pointing to the stuffed rabbit Catarina had noticed earlier. “That’s Mr. Flopsy. He’s Madzie’s favorite.”

“Thank you, dear,” Magnus said, grabbing the stuffed toy. He looked at Catarina. “I’m going to look for the girl. As soon as she’s recovered enough, take them back to the loft. They’ll be safe there while we figure out what’s going on.”

“We’ll see you there,” Catarina answered. Then, when Magnus hesitated, “We’ll be fine. Go.”

Magnus had no trouble at all picking up Madzie’s trail, which was on the one hand convenient, but on the other hand meant the demons probably weren’t having much trouble tracking her, either. The one solely good piece of news was that Magnus was able to recognize the girl’s magic from the residue on the toy, and he could still feel its echo out somewhere in the city. If the demons chasing Madzie had found her, at least they hadn’t killed her, yet.

It didn’t take him long to pick up the trail of the Ravener demons following Madzie, either. A warlock had scrubbed all sense of their presence from Iris’s house, but the trail popped up clear as day at the end of the block. Which suggested that whoever was controlling these demons hadn’t gone with them after the girl. They must have gone with Iris and the other children, wherever they’d taken them.

The trail led him half a mile east of Prospect Park before he heard the distinctive growl of a Ravener about to attack. Magnus ran toward the alleyway from where the sound had come, magic ready at his fingertips, only to stop dead in his tracks when he rounded the corner just in time to watch a Shadowhunter neatly dispatch three Ravener demons in rapid succession.

The man’s movements were fluid and efficient, arrows hitting their marks dead on before taking down the final demon with a seraph blade in a move that looked almost effortless even as his forearms flexed in a way that Magnus couldn’t help but appreciate. More impressive than the man’s skill at taking down demons, though, was the way he did so all while keeping himself between the threat he faced and the young girl behind him. The young warlock girl.

Shadowhunters were pledged to protect the world from demons, and even the most repugnant ones Magnus had the misfortune of meeting seemed to take that job seriously, but he’d met precious few who would put forth even the slightest effort to protect a warlock, not even from a demon.

Then the Shadowhunter was turning to face him, and Magnus found himself struck once again, because the man was stunning, with bright hazel eyes, full lips, and a jawline that could cut glass. He also had an arrow trained straight at Magnus’s heart.

Magnus searched frantically for something to say. Something witty and flirtatious, perhaps. Or something dignified and professional, as would befit the High Warlock of Brooklyn under such circumstances. Or just something that would reassure the Shadowhunter that Magnus wasn’t a threat.

What actually came out of his mouth was, “Who are you?”

For the briefest instant, Magnus thought he could see the hint of a bewildered smile on the Shadowhunter’s lips, but it was gone almost as soon as it appeared.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that question?” the Shadowhunter countered. Then his eyes flickered to something behind Magnus, and Magnus whirled around to face a truly staggering number of Ravener demons pouring into the mouth of the alley just as an arrow flew past his shoulder to hit one of the demons in the chest.

“Kill demons now, introductions later?” Magnus suggested, tossing a ball of fire at the closest demon.

“Sounds like a plan,” the Shadowhunter agreed. “Stay behind me,” he instructed the little girl. “Keep your back to the wall.”

They fought surprisingly well together for two people who hadn’t even known each other long enough to exchange names. Without discussing it, Magnus handled the demons who managed to get into close range of their little group, while the Shadowhunter took down those further back.

“You know,” Magnus said as he watched another demon burn to a satisfying crisp, “normally I’d ask what a guy like you is doing in a place like this, but I get the feeling you might just be a killing demons in dark alleys kind of guy.”

“Not as many dark alleys as you might expect,” the Shadowhunter said. “And usually not this many demons at once.”

“Or with quite such charming company?” Magnus suggested. Only two left. “Because I certainly don’t.”

“Well, you’ve done a pretty decent job of proving you’re not the one who summoned the demons, at least.”

The Shadowhunter’s arrow hit one of the remaining two demons just as his own flames took down the other.

Magnus gave the Shadowhunter a sidelong glance. “Glad to know being in mortal peril helped with my credibility.”

Magnus turned to face the little girl, who was clinging to the leg of the Shadowhunter’s pants and crouched down to her level. She shrunk back from him, and after a moment’s hesitation, he unglamored his eyes. “Hi, my name is Magnus. Are you Madzie?”

The girl eyed him warily, then nodded once.

“Iris called me for help when the demons attacked your house, but I didn’t get there before you left. I’m sorry I wasn’t faster.” He pulled the stuffed rabbit out of his coat. “Leigh said you’d want Mr. Flopsy when I found you.”

The girl grabbed Mr. Flopsy and watched him shyly. “You know Nana?” she asked in a quiet voice. “Can you take me to her?”

“I’m sorry, sweet pea,” Magnus said, “but I don’t know where your nana is right now. I’m going to do everything I can to find her, though. And I can take you where Leigh and Noah are now if you want. My friend Catarina is taking care of them.”

Madzie looked at him for a long moment, then up at the Shadowhunter. “Are you coming?”

The Shadowhunter’s face showed a flicker of surprise before melting into a soft smile. “Yeah, I can come. I just need to let the rest of my team know where I’m going.” He glanced at Magnus, still smiling, and oh, Magnus was in trouble. “Where am I going?”

“My loft,” Magnus answered, too aware of the answering smile he had absolutely no control over. “In Brooklyn Heights. I’m Magnus, by the way.”

“Alec,” the Shadowhunter answered, his smile widening and making him somehow even more stunning. “I’m gonna,” he gestured over his shoulder awkwardly, eyes never leaving Magnus’s.

“Right,” Magnus said. “Call your team.” Finally, when it was nearly over, his day was starting to look like it just might make up for a little of the shitshow it had been.

“Yeah,” Alec said. And then his legs buckled beneath him.

Acting on instinct, Magnus reached out to steady him. Alec fell against his side, unable to get his feet back under him, and Magnus very intentionally pushed the way Alec’s back muscles felt beneath his hand to the back of his mind with a mental note to revisit that later, preferably not in the middle of a crisis.

“Sorry,” Alec muttered. “Sorry, I can’t—”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Magnus told him. “Are you injured?”

“Left knee,” Alec said, wincing. “Thought I cut it on some glass. Just need to—” He pulled out a stele and activated his iratze.

Nothing happened.

“I’m going to wager a guess,” Magnus said, leading Alec to lean against the nearest wall, “that it was not glass. Let me take a look.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Alec protested. “I just need to get back to the Institute.”

“Nonsense,” Magnus waved him off. “I’m right here, and it’s less effort to just heal whatever is wrong with you than portal you back to the Institute.” Probably. Maybe. “Besides, I owe you for rescuing Madzie.”

Alec’s voice was sharp when he answered, “You don’t owe me for that. She needed help and I was here. And it’s my job,” he added, an obvious afterthought.

“Then,” Magnus said, crouching down to examine Alec’s knee, “consider this my way of saying thank you.”

It didn’t take him long to find it: a small wound just beneath Alec’s thigh holster. Madzie crowded in beside him, and he let her look, hoping the small size of the wound would ease her fears that Alec was seriously hurt.

“Demon venom,” Magnus concluded. “Not much or you wouldn’t still be conscious, but it’s been in your system too long for your iratze to help. I’ve got a potion that will take care of it back at the loft.”

It was a testament to how badly the venom was affecting him that Alec just nodded instead of arguing. Or maybe he really did take Magnus’s line about a thank you at face value. Either way, he let Magnus put an arm around him and help him off the wall.

Magnus was about to open a portal when two more Shadowhunters dashed into the alley.

“Alec!” the dark-haired woman cried, rushing toward them.

“‘M fine, Iz,” Alec mumbled, very clearly not fine. “I’ve got everything under control,” he explained, before promptly passing out on Magnus’s shoulder.

[thatscalledtoughlove]

Didn’t Want to Fall in Love - 2: A Match...Or Not

It took almost a week before I got matched on the app I’d originally swore not to sign up for: Tinder.

        After hearing nothing from the other sites and ignoring the ones I got that I knew I would never get along with in person, I caved and got Tony to make me a profile. He snorted when I went through it at first. We also ended up matching, because he thought it would be funny. It was not.

         “Come on, Izzy!” he’d yelled three days after I made an account. “You need to start swiping right or we’ll never get anywhere! Do you want me to go out into the real world to meet people or not?”

         I gave an obnoxious groan in response. “Fine. Fine, I’ll swipe right on the next person to show up. They probably won’t be into me any—” We matched. Tony howled with laughter. I stared at the screen for five minutes.

         It wasn’t until after I got over my initial shock and took a better look at the profile that I realized I’d matched with someone eight years older than me. Sure, he wasn’t old by any means, and he had a nice enough face, but I’d been hoping to avoid a match for as long as possible.

         “Tony, he’s twenty-nine! There’s such a huge age difference!”

        My best friend just laughed some more. “Come on, Iz, we’re adults. Age doesn’t matter so much after you reach twenty. Veronica was almost five years older than me, and we lasted six months.”

         “So not helping.”

        He ruffled my hair, ignoring the glare I shot his way. “Just talk to him, see if you guys make a good match. Then you two can meet at a restaurant or something for a little date. Who knows, it might go better than you’d think.”

         “Yeah, I don’t think so. Still, I guess I have to keep true to my side of the bargain.” I glanced down at my phone again, looking at the picture of my match.

         His name was Paul, and in his biography, he said that he enjoyed late-night movies, the occasional glass of wine, and had a great love of history. At least we shared the habit of an occasional glass of wine, though saying my drinking habits were occasional was putting it lightly.

        I sighed, feeling Tony’s eyes on me the entire time I checked out Paul’s profile. After a few more minutes of procrastination, I opened the message that told us we’d matched. There was one single word from him.

         Paul: Hello!

         I scrunched my nose, peering up at Tony, who watched me with a grin. Shaking my head, I focused my attention back on my phone and typed in my response.

         Isabelle: Hi! How are you? It embarrassed me just pressing send.

        The next response came almost immediately. For the next hour, Paul and I talked about our interests and arranged a date for that night. Since it was a Tuesday, I told him the dinner would have to be an early one, as I had class the following day. He didn’t need to know that class wasn’t until two in the afternoon. Or that the possibility of me going home with him regardless was next to impossible, since my experience stopped with my shared kiss with Tony.

Six hours later, I sat in the passenger seat of Tony’s beat-down car. He kept reaching over to fix my hair and makeup, excitement still written all over his face.

        “You’re going to do great, Iz. I’ll be here to pick you up at around nine, okay? Then we can go home, and you can tell me all about your magical night.”

         I snorted when he said magical. “Don’t go too crazy in the apartment while I’m gone, okay? I’ll see you in two hours.” He smiled when I leaned over to kiss him on the cheek, grabbing my hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze before he let me leave the car.

         I waved bye as he drove away, taking a deep breath and straightening my dress before I stepped into the pub that was a few blocks away from my college.

         Paul stood up from his chair when he saw me approach, a smile spread across his face. “Isabelle, it’s great to meet you.” He fumbled around before pulling my chair out for me to sit down.

         “Thank you.” I found it hard to breathe. Once he’d taken his seat across from me again, I smiled back. “It’s great to meet you too, Paul. Sorry I’m a bit late.”

        Actually, I was right on time. He’d been early. I wasn’t sure if it was worse that I’d arrived just when we’d said, or that he’d been sitting here waiting for me at least ten minutes.

         “So, you’re still in college, are you? How’s that going? I never got the chance to go. My mom needed help paying the bills after my dad passed away when I was in high school. Things going good there?”

         I nodded, quietly thanking the waiter when he brought me a glass of water. When he was no longer within earshot, I answered Paul. “Yeah, I have one year left to go for my bachelor’s degree, then I’m thinking about getting a master’s degree after a year-long break. What did you want to study?”

        “Biology, actually. I’ve always wanted to be a zoologist. A veterinarian was the more realistic approach at that dream. But, life got in the way of education.” Paul had the kind of laugh that made you want to join. He also had auburn hair that lit up in the dim light of the pub. I found myself staring at him for longer than considered appropriate, admiring his clear green eyes.

         He seemed to notice my staring, the mood at the table shifting. A small part of me considered loosening up, letting myself go for just one night. I’d never been one for the thought of hooking up, but I had to admit Paul would be the one I’d consider forgetting those morals for.

         No, that would be insane. Drinking two glasses of wine with Tony before this date had been a terrible idea. I could already feel my rationality deteriorating.

         Paul cleared his throat, waving the waiter from earlier over so we could order our food. I asked for a simple hamburger with a side of fries. The salad here wasn’t the best, and I’d never been self-conscious eating around men.

          “So, as long as we’re discussing our lives, I guess you should know that I do have a child. A daughter, actually.” My eyes must have widened because he sat up straight. “Sorry, it’s just—I—you—it’s always best to be honest from the start, in case things go anywhere. I find that women appreciate it if I tell them at the beginning about my daughter.”

         There would not be another date. That much I could guarantee.

        I forced the dozenth smile of the evening and clasped my hands in front of me on the table. “Thank you for your honesty. I appreciate it.” I no longer had any unsettling thoughts about going home with him tonight.

        “Here you guys go.” The waiter reappeared, his name tag standing out against his uniform. I narrowed my eyes to get a better look. Zack. He seemed to notice me and looked over. “Enjoy your dinner.”

         I’d been to this pub several times over the years and had never seen this waiter before. He must be new.

        No sooner than we’d taken our first few bites of our burgers did Zack the Waiter appear again. “How’s the food? Everything okay?”

        Of course he asked this while I had a bunch of food in my mouth. When I attempted to answer, my response sounded muffled.

         “Yes, thank you” sounded more like a bunch of gibberish. I chewed fasted, quickly swallowing the food, and looked up at him. He looked like he wanted to laugh. “It’s fantastic, thanks,” I said, heat creeping up my neck.

         Zack smiled and bowed his head in the slightest of nods. “Great. Let me know if you need anything.” His eyes flickered to Paul for a second before he took off to another table.

          “So, Rosenberg, huh? What is that, German?” I noticed him look at my face, curiosity about my ethnicity reflected in his eyes.

        I nodded, wiping my mouth on the back of my hand without thinking. I’d definitely spent way too much time around Tony, my manners around someone who was a date were far from appropriate.

         “Yeah, it sure is. My grandfather is American, and my grandmother was a Heinz-57.” He raised an eyebrow and I laughed. “I mean she was a bunch of different nationalities. The only was she knew for certain was that her mother was Moroccan, and her father was at least a third Nigerian. People always ask me what I am, so I figure I may as well tell you now. My dad is also Korean.”

         “Huh” was Paul’s only response. Most of our small talk died out after that, and I couldn’t say it didn’t leave me with a sense of relief. Incompatibility would make it easier for us to forever part ways at the end of the night.

          Several times within the next hour, Zack the Waiter came to check up on us. He talked to me most of the time, almost seeming to forget Paul was even there. I noticed the glint of irritation in my date’s eyes when Zack came around for the fourth time within ten minutes.

        “We’re doing great, thanks. I’ll let you know if we need anything.” The hint of hostility in Paul’s voice didn’t go unnoticed by our waiter, who apologized before hurrying off.

         He did not come back to check on us again.

        “You said your dad was Korean?” This came up nearly forty minutes after I’d initially mentioned it. “Does that mean he took your mother’s maiden name?”

         The subject of many a debate within my family. “Yeah, he did. He has three brothers and my mom’s side is all girls, so they figured it would be nice to continue the Rosenberg name for another generation. Fortunately, I have two brothers, so the Rosenberg family will live on.”

         “I couldn’t imagine taking my wife’s last name.”

         My hand froze on its way to my mouth, a fry pinched between my thumb and pointer finger. “Why not?”

         Paul shrugged, his lips twitching. “The tradition is for the bride to take her husband’s last name, isn’t it?”

        I knew my smile was too wide to be believable. He had to know I was faking it. “Well, my father is secure enough in his masculinity to accept giving up his surname. Besides, he was the one to suggest it. I think it just proved how much he respected and loved my mom and wanted to keep her family name alive along with his. Now the Rosenberg and the Yeon last name will carry on.”

        He didn’t answer, instead giving a polite smile as a response. We spent the rest of the dinner talking about work and college, avoiding the subject of last names and ethnicity. I looked forward to never seeing Paul Hubert again.

         At the end of night, I received a text from Tony that he would be waiting for me down the street. He told me to take all the time I needed, adding a winking emoji at the end. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

         “Are you sure you can’t come over for a little bit?” Paul stood less than a foot away from me outside of the pub, the money I’d given him for my own meal tucked away in his coat pocket. I’d insisted to reimburse him, knowing we would never see each other again and not wanting him thinking I’d used him for a free meal and some cheap alcohol.

         I nodded, trying to take as subtle a step back as possible. “Positive. My best friend is waiting for me just down the street, I don’t have the heart to make the trip here for nothing.”

         “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. You’re really interesting, Isabelle. I’d like to get to know you more.”

         Code for: let me take you back to my place so we can sleep together. I’d watched enough movies and heard enough stories from Tony to know that.

         “Sorry, I really can’t betray her like that.” I started to grin at the knowledge Paul thought my best friend was a she, and quickly stopped myself. “I had a nice time, though.” Not really. We weren’t a great match.

         Paul nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. He looked down at the ground for a moment. My heart leapt into overdrive when his eyes met mine and he started to lean in.

         Before our lips could touch, I ducked out of the way, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. He seemed too stunned to call me back when I bid him farewell.

         I didn’t dare relax until Tony’s 2001 Ford Taurus came into sight, the hideous yellow paintjob reminding me of a taxi cab. This had been the vehicle he chose to drive around in since our junior year of high school. It was horrible, but it still reminded me of happy memories. Late nights driving home from the movies senior year of high school, early morning breakfast runs before class freshman year of college.

        Tony sighed as I slid into the passenger seat. “Okay, spill. I can tell from your expression this date was anything but magical.”

         “He insulted my parents!”

         He frowned, his brow furrowing. “How?”

        “Uh, let me think. He basically made fun of my dad for taking my mother’s last name. And then he said that he couldn’t imagine taking his wife’s last name, as if it’s such a terrible thing to ever consider that. Thank God I never have to see him again.”

         “You aren’t going to go on another date?”

        I turned to face him, my eyes narrowed into a glare. “He suggested we go back to his place to ‘get to know me more.’ As if I didn’t know what that really meant.”

         “Would it really be that bad? We live in a hookup-oriented world, Iz. Maybe you’d calm down and change your ideas about love and relationships if you just slept with a stranger.” His mouth said one thing, but his face said another.

        “And let me guess, you’ve hooked up with a bunch of random women?” I knew he didn’t believe in even kissing on the first date, which made it all the more confusing as to why he used online dating to find relationships.

         Tony groaned, starting up the car. “All I’m saying is that you’ve never cared much about that stuff anyway, so would it be so bad if you lived a little for once? It’s entirely your choice, of course.”

         “I’d sooner make a marriage pact with you than sleep with Paul.”

        He laughed, taking his eyes off the road to look at me as he pulled away from the curb. A loud thud cut him off and I yelped. We both turned to look at the front of the vehicle, and a familiar face stared back. It was Zack. Zack the Waiter.

         A string of curses flowed from Tony’s mouth as he struggled to unbuckle. I reached over to push the button for him, and he threw his door open without thanking me, rushing out to apologize. The headlights illuminated them both, their appearances nearly opposites.

         Zack the Waiter had light blond hair and warm brown eyes. He kind of reminded me of Mr. Handsome, except he was far more handsome than Mr. Handsome. I tilted my head to the side and studied his profile for a little longer. The lips that weren’t full, but also weren’t thin that were currently moving as he talked to my best friend who had almost run him over. I found myself drawn to those lips more than any other feature. Then, he glanced at me, and the illusion shattered.

         I straightened, fumbled around with my own seatbelt, and then joined the two men in front of the car.

        “It’s no problem, really. You barely even touched me, I just smacked my hand on the top of the hood.” Zack was trying to calm Tony down, who looked like he might experience a full breakdown.

         Tony shook his head, his eyes shining in the yellow glow of the headlights. “It’s not ‘no problem’! I almost hit you! Fuck.” He ran his hands through his hair, tugging on it so hard it pained me just witnessing it.

        Anyone who didn’t know Tony would think he was overreacting, but I knew the real reason behind his behavior. Over a decade earlier, his uncle had been in a terrible crash that left him paralyzed from the waist down. It had almost killed him. Ever since hearing the news, he’d always tried to take extra care when driving. Until tonight. When he’d been distracted, because of me.

         I stepped forward, past Zack the Waiter, and placed a hand on Tony’s shoulder. He turned and wrapped me in a hug without a word. Thankfully there was no one else around to witness this moment.

         “Hey, man, it’s fine. I wasn’t hurt, really. There’s no reason to get so upset.” Zack looked uncomfortable. His eyes met mine, and recognition filled them. “Oh, hello.”

         “Hi,” I said, patting Tony on the back, a wordless command to let me go. He did, and apologized to Zack again before walking back to the driver’s seat. Once inside the car, he rested his head on the steering wheel.

         Zack stared at him a moment before looking back at me. “Is he going to be okay? You’d think he’d sent me flying or something.”

         I nodded, clenching my hands in fists at my sides. “He’ll be fine. It’s a long story. Sorry about tonight. Both for inside the restaurant and what just happened. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

         He sighed, giving me a fake smile as an answer. “I’ll live. Just make sure your friend gets home safe, okay? Looks like he needs comforting a lot more than I do. And don’t worry about inside the restaurant, this isn’t my first waiting gig. You weren’t the issue anyway. Have a great night.” Zack the Waiter bowed his head again before taking off in the direction of the nearest subway station.

         I considered offering him a ride, but decided that would be too weird. We didn’t know each other, after all. Instead, I went back to Tony and comforted him the entire ride back to our apartment. When we got inside, he went straight to his room, emerging an hour later with puffy eyes. I kept silent.

          Many hours later, he’d fallen asleep with his head in my lap, quiet snores filling the apartment as I stared at a wall. The events of the night played on a loop in my head. Paul’s contagious laugh echoed in my mind as I stared at the photo from Tony’s cousin's wedding, his cousin and his wife surrounded by their family. Tony’s uncle in the wheelchair, his attention on his son and new daughter-in-law, grinning like he didn’t have any worries in the world.

         I fell asleep on the couch, too worried about Tony to risk moving away from him. As I drifted to sleep, my mind wandered back to the restaurant. Only I didn’t think about Paul. A head of blond hair entered my thoughts for the briefest of seconds. I shook my head in an attempt to clear my mind, running my fingers through Tony’s dark hair.

         When I woke up hours later, I was in my own bed, the smell of Tony’s cologne still hanging in the air.

[hwu-adventures-blog]

For The World- Thomas Hunt x MC fanfic:

Series: Red Carpet Diaries, Hollywood U, references to High School Story app.

Pairings: Thomas Hunt x HWU!MC, references to Matt x RCD!MC, references to Ethan Blake x Addison Sinclair (seriously I used to ship them so hard when I started playing Hollywood U so I though it would be fun to include them in there).

Description: Eight years after RCD and ten years after HWU, Thomas Hunt finally has got the life he wanted. (Because he deserves a happy ending even if he’s not your LI in RCD)

A/N: Just thought I’d clear some stuff up before the fic starts, this is following my personal headcannon that since I refused to romance Hunt in RCD (no matter how tempting it was, I still shipped him with HWU MC and they are my pixelberry OTP) the HWU MC and Thomas broke up before RCD and got back together after RCD 3. In my previous fic I played with the break up and the potential friendship between the two. But here’s what I’ve decided is still going on or is cannon in my headcannon of what happened (if you get my meaning) after just to clear up some confusion you may have about this fic and the previous fic:

Chris and HWU!MC did not get married or have a kid, this was confirmed by RCD 3 where we met Chris’ wife, however, HWU MC did have a fiancé when she and Hunt reconciled (all will be explained in this fic).

The reason for the break up did still happen because HWU!MC’s mum is a b*tch and couldn’t allow her daughter to be happy.

Her Fiancé referenced in the fic was one of Luke’s frat boy friends and it explains, why it didn’t end well and how she ended up with Hunt again when, well, just wait and see...

Anyway here it is and I hope you enjoy the fic!

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For The World:

A five year old girl with dark hair and brown eyes sat in the living room with her brother, a boy of about three years, with brown hair and blue eyes looking over at a photo album their mother was showing them of her years in high school and university that they had both demanded to see as she was sorting out the office.

“Mommy, daddy isn’t in any of these pictures” the young girl said

“That’s because your dad isn’t fond of having his photo taken and we haven’t got to the ones he’s in yet l” her mum replied

“That being said, who’s that?” She pointed to a photo on the next page, a photo her friend Autumn had taken of the gang at the set of ‘Hamartia’, which gave her her first acting role (and a bit of a dip into directing) with Chris Winters and-

“daddy” the younger sibling exclaimed

“He’s not smiling” the elder one pointed out

“He wasn’t happy that a bunch of high school students wanted to take a photo” their mum laughed

“But you were there, wasn’t he happy about that?”

“No, your dad didn’t really know me at that point, to him I was just another annoying fifteen year old in the background of a film”

“You’ve got that wrong, I knew you were special even then, even if I didn’t quite know how special or in what way” a voice said from the doorway

“Daddy!” The girl immediately jumped down from her seat and ran towards her father and hugged him tightly

“Hello Isobel, how was kindergarten?” He asked returning the hug

“Great! I made lots of drawings!” She pulled away from her dad

“Really?”

“Yeah!”

“Why don’t you go and bring them to show daddy?” Her mother smiled and the five year old skipped off to find them as her mother smiled at her husband “hi Thomas, I thought you weren’t back until late tonight?”

“You know how unreliable filming can sometimes be, Maddie, and we were ahead of schedule, so I thought I’d spend an evening with my family, even if it is gone seven” Thomas smiled moving into the room they had been in and giving his wife a kiss hello.

“Daddy, you forgot me!” The three year old exclaimed interrupting his father and mother and reaching out for the director as if he wanted to be picked up

“I didn’t forget about you Teddy” Thomas smiled at his son scooping him up from the wheelchair he was sat in. Edward or Teddy, had been paralysed from the waist down from birth and that had proved a challenge for his parents, and whilst that was the case, It didn’t mean his parents and older sister didn’t love him any less

“Mummy’s showing pictures”

“what pictures?”

“Just my high school ones and University ones, don’t worry, nothing too bad”

“I wasn’t worried, you’re a good enough mom”

“Daddy! Look at what I drew!” Isobel or Izzy had returned holding a drawing out to her father he took it and looked at it fondly

“It’s of, me, Teddy, you, mommy, auntie Rachel, uncle Steve and Jonathan”

Johnathan was Rachel’s son, who was born two months after Isobel was and the pair were the best of friends, which Maddie found hilarious considering Thomas’ tendency to argue with his sister.

“That’s very good Isobel, I expect Jonathan would like to see it when we see them next week, so you would be best off keeping it safe in your room” Thomas said

“Speaking of rooms it’s time for bed” Maddie said looking at her watch which said seven thirty

“Aw, but mommy you said we could stay up”

“For half an hour more, half an hour ago, besides your brother is already asleep”

This was true, Thomas noticed that his son had fallen fast asleep in his arms in the two or three minutes he had been holding him.

“Daddy, can I-“

“No Isobel, your mom is right”

“But I wanna stay up and spend time with you daddy!”

“How about I make you a deal? You go to bed nicely and I’ll be up to read you a story” Thomas, trying to avoid a tantrum, spoke gently but sternly to the five year old who, considers the offer before nodding

“Night night mommy!”

“Night night Izzy, sweet dreams” her mum smiled kissing her forehead before doing the same to Teddy and taking Thomas’ hand, Izzy lead him up the stairs to the bedrooms, leaving Maddie behind to switch on the TV quietly and find a film for her and Thomas to watch.

Twenty five minutes later, the spot on the sofa next to Maddie dipped down and Thomas sank back into the furniture with a sigh of exhaustion, he wrapped his arm around his wife as she stretched out on the sofa and leaned into him.

“Tired?” She asked

“Who knew a five year old would be difficult at bed time?”

“You’re lucky the three year old was asleep, then it’s two verses one!”

“I do not envy you” he said before realising what was on tv “Prominence?”

“It’s just starting, figured you’d need to watch a film to relax, I was lucky it was one of your favourites” Maddie said “really takes you back doesn’t it?”

“it does, hopefully we won’t have anyone to interrupt us this time” he smiled

“Well except from a five year old and a three year old”

“I was thinking more of your arch rivals but those two would do to, Isobel is one handful, thankfully for a three year old, Teddy is not so much of one, well apart from, but that’s not his fault”

“No, like you told me when he was born, it’s not anyone’s fault , nobody could do anything about it. It’s just one of those things” Maddie agreed, Teddy’s birth had been long and hard, for Maddie and because of the resulting paralysis of her son, she had struggled with thinking she’d done something wrong and caused it, luckily Thomas had been there to comfort her and make her realise that it was not her fault, it was just the way things were and nobody was at fault “Izzy is definitely less of a handful when you’re around, she’s a daddy’s girl”

“No she isn’t”

“She is! If it was me making that deal with her she’d have refused and gone straight to tantrum, waking up Teddy who would have then joined in” Maddie laughed “she’s as stubborn as you are”

Isobel was definitely a daddy’s girl and everyone knew it! When she was born, she took a liking to Thomas, more than she did Maddie, as she would always be good when Thomas was looking after her, but when it was Maddie she’d just scream, it was quite comical actually, Maddie had developed a theory that the reason why she was like that was because Thomas had named her and he’d chosen to name her after Isobel Lennart, a famous screenwriter and playwright, famous for films such as ‘Love Me or Leave Me’, and ‘It Happened In Brooklyn’, and for writing the book for the musical ‘Funny Girl’ as Thomas had pointed out, was one of Maddie’s favourite old musicals. And it appears her theory was appearing to be correct.

“Well in that case Teddy is a mommy’s boy”

“Of course he’s a mummy’s boy, he’s the baby of the family”

Maddie was the one who named Teddy, Edward, after one of the characters in her favourite book, ‘Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows’, Teddy Lupin and after one of her favourite actors of all time, Eddie Redmayne, and another character in one of her favourite musicals, ‘Blood Brothers’, which Thomas was delighted about, but she was lucky he liked the name Edward so, it stuck. And that appeared to confirm Maddie’s theory, as Teddy became a mummy’s boy through and through, as it was the complete opposite to what happened with Isobel, he’d be good for Maddie but not for Thomas.

“So you were showing them photos today?” Thomas nodded to the album on the coffee table

“Yeah they wanted to, like I said earlier, it was just the ones from my teenage years, didn’t even get onto Hollywood U so you were barely in them”

“I wouldn’t have minded if I was in them, our children deserve to know our story, as long as there’s no inappropriate ones in there”

“Why would I put inappropriate pictures in a family album? No, your underwear modelling photos are safe away from children’s eyes, along with the other photos that could destroy their innocence all together” Maddie said teasingly as she noticed her husband going red “anyway, speaking of family, what did you mean when you said to Iz about seeing Rachel’s family next week?”

“I knew you’d catch onto that slip of the tongue”

“Nothing get’s past me anymore, it came with the mothers intuition”

Thomas shifted in his seat to make himself more comfortable “I may have invited Rachel, Alice, Chris, Addison and the others and their families to celebrate our anniversary next week”

Alice and Matt Rodriguez were the second of the group to have children, after Chris, then it had been Thomas’ sister, Rachel, who had lost the having kids part of the sibling race/competition between them to her brother by two months, so now they were currently equal in the race, and finally everyone was surprised (well, maybe not Maddie) when Addison had started dating Ethan and had a kid within a year of doing so. It was weird, all their friends had children, they had children, and yet they were pretty much all still in their twenties, well, with the exception of Thomas of course.

“Is that all?” Maddie raised an eyebrow at Thomas

“No, but I am not going to divulge you in what I am planning”

“Not even if I reward you for it?” She smiled coyly loosening Thomas tie, he cleared his throat and put his focus back to the film

“No, not going to work”

“Damn” Maddie cursed before looking at her wedding band on her finger Thomas noticed this, and turned his attention back to his wife

“What is it?”

“I can’t believe next week is our sugar wedding anniversary”

“It’s been six years and we’ve had two kids and yet I can still remember it as if it was yesterday” Thomas smiled at his wife

“Probably because I ruined it by making you cry because I told you I was pregnant with who would later be Izzy and completely destroyed your reputation as a heartless bastard”

“You didn’t ruin it, it made me the happiest man in the world twice over, and whilst I would be awful for someone to announce their pregnancy at another person’s wedding I think there are exceptions if you’re the bride and you’ve just found out you’re pregnant or you don’t announce it to everyone which you didn’t. And the Hollywood tabloids should have known I wasn’t heartless, just honest, by that point”

Thomas could remember that moment easily, it had just been just after the first dance, in which he’d surprised her by not telling her they were dancing to ‘Beauty and The Beast’ which had been her only dream wedding requirement as a child that had secretly stayed with her her entire life. She’d pulled him off to the side, telling him she had a surprise for him too, an extra wedding present, if you will, and handed him a small box with a positive pregnancy test in with a nervous smile. After opening it and realising what the hell it meant he had been so overjoyed that he’d completely forgotten about his reputation, pulled her into a tearful hug and spun her around happily, not caring if anyone saw them.

“That’s debatable, some would argue you’re just as heartless as the day you broke up with me” Maddie pulled him away from the memory teasingly

“That wasn’t my fault” he defended himself

“Relax, I know, if anything it was the ultimate bitch’s fault for the whole thing, and I’m glad that you knocked some sense into me to cut ties with her permanently especially after Teddy was born and besides, I like to think that without that three year blip in our relationship, we wouldn’t be where we are today”

“Well, I could argue we would be exactly where we are but go on” he said

“Where do you think we’d be now if you hadn’t crashed my wedding?”

“I did not crash your wedding! That would go completely against my character to....I merely delayed it a little, by strolling into the church a little late and expressed my opinion on the matter, you were the one who actually ended it and went with me”

Maddie raised an eyebrow at him again that was literally the definition of wedding crashing and objecting to one.

“Okay, fine, I did ‘crash’ it but I wouldn’t have without that letter from a certain someone”

“Touché”

“And to answer your question, exactly where we are now”

That took Maddie by surprise and she lifted her head to look at him

“Are you saying my marriage to Jason wouldn’t have worked out?”

“Jason was a misogynist, and a player, not to mention he spent most of the time down at a bar with his college friends, you said it yourself, you weren’t cut out for being, what was it that you said? ‘Being what Lizzie feared to be at the beginning of Shaun of The Dead’? I expect you’d have had it annulled and found your way back to me eventually”

“What makes you think I’d go back to you?”

“To quote your letter again you were ‘like Olivia Newton-John in Grease, you were hopelessly devoted’ to me and considering we were friends at that point it isn’t much of a stretch”

“Well, you are the Danny to my Sandy” Maddie smiled cheekily at him “or is it the other way round?”

Thomas chuckled at the joke before turning to the screen and pointing out a bit of the film

“this is a brilliant bit of Cinematography, North really captures the emotions the characters are feeling in a single shot”

“And there’s the man I married” Maddie smiled and turned to the screen snuggling into her husband and focused her attention to the film.

A while later the film had ended with surprisingly no interruptions by either of their children. Thomas switched off the tv, getting ready to go to bed, and looked down at his wife, her chest rising and falling at a steady pace, a peaceful look on her face, she had fallen fast asleep during the film. she must have had an exhausting day, looking after the children, which she had volunteered to do whilst he worked on his latest film. He smiled, as he tucked a stray bit of hair behind her ear, his fingers lightly tracing the soft skin of her face.

“I love you” he whispered “so much” before leaning over to kiss the top of her head, Maddie stirred at the movement and opened her eyes sleepily to look at her husband

“What did you say?” She asked barely awake

“Just how I feel about you, now come on, it’s nearly midnight, and I have to be up at half five”

Maddie shifted off Thomas, allowing him to get up and offer her a hand up, she took it and they walked hand in hand upstairs to the master bedroom, where in less than ten minutes they were in bed, face to face

“Thomas?”

“Yes?”

“Would you change anything? If you could”

“Are you asking I regret being with you? Because if you are, I swear-“

“No, it’s just a thought that popped into my head”

Thomas took Maddie’s hand under the covers tracing her fingers with his.

“Eight years together, almost six years of marriage and two wonderful children, I wouldn’t change a single thing”

Maddie smiled and pulled him into a kiss, deep, and fraught with emotion, Thomas pulled Maddie on top of him, fully intending on it going further, when-

“Mommy!” A cry from Teddy echoed down the hall “Mommy!”

Maddie sighed and rolled off Thomas, sitting up and swinging her legs over the bed and standing up

“Those kids sure do have great timing” she muttered as she left of the room earning a laugh from Thomas as he watched her, a smile playing at his lips.

And he knew he was right in what he said to his wife. he wouldn’t change a bit of what he had. Not even for the world.

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A/N: so thanks for reading, for anyone interested, I’m currently working on the entire story of how a fanfic on how they got back together on AO3, if anyone would be interested in reading (although chapters are slow on there), I might post it chapter by chapter on here, instead, but updates are probably going to be slow because I’ve also got university to look at, anyway, yeah, essentially Hunt crashed Maddie’s wedding....who knew he’d do such a thing 😂 but yeah, there’s a bit more to the story than that, which is why I am thinking of writing the whole story, but let me know if you want me to and I’ll tag you in it when I get round to posting on tumblr. I’ve also got a sad fanfic set in a AU, during HWU I’ve been debating on posting since the app is dead now, but if you want me to post it to read also let me know, Anyway thanks again for reading!

[pettybkang]

HELLO

Group: IZ.

Pairing: Jihoo + Y/N.

Genre: Childhood Best Friends!AU.

Word count: 6k+

Description:  “Just friends don’t look at each other like they finally found the love they thought they had lost when they meet ten years later at a street in Seoul,” Hazel pointed out, a single eyebrow raised.

“What I’m saying is, you know, living in Korea since I’m five doesn’t really make me Korean. It just makes me an American that has lived in Korea for too long,” Y/N was trying to explain to a coworker why she didn’t really feel anything like them. Or why she still tells people she’s American - she doesn’t really look the part, being adopted by her parents at the age of three, and going back and forth between America and Korea all the time, she didn’t really feel like she belonged anywhere.  

She has decided to live her life in Korea - mostly because her parents finally stopped moving and settled in their home country - and has been doing so ever since she finished college in America. She’s their pride and joy, graduated a pediatrician and getting a job in Seoul as soon as she moved back. Her parents are restaurant owners, at first they would only work with deliveries since they moved a lot, but once they settled they decided to open a restaurant with the promise to serve their public the best homemade Korean food.  

Y/N still has her doubts about that. Her dad isn’t really a great cook. But the restaurant is always full and they had to move to a bigger location recently. The restaurant is how she met her best friend - Hazel. The other girl used to own the Italian restaurant right next to her parents' place. They were always friendly with each other - Hazel would always borrow some flour, Y/N’s parents would always ask her for some onions. When they moved, they were all sad to say goodbye - but the friendship between them continued. 

Now Y/N was killing some time, all her appointments for the day were over and she was just chatting with her coworkers. The nurses from her floor. Hazel and Y/N were supposed to have lunch that day, they were going to celebrate the Michelin star that Hazel’s restaurant was rewarded that year so sushi and drinks were in order. The girls rarely get to hang out nowadays because of their busy schedules, but when they manage they make the best of it. 

As usual, both arrived late.

Y/N arrived first and ordered them a bottle of wine, already asking for her own glass and texting her friend. Hazel arrived ten minutes after that, all smiles and rushing over to her seat, pouring herself a glass too. 

“Cheers to being a famous chef!” Y/N said, raising her glass and making her friend laugh. 

“Cheers to the anxiety of being a famous chef!” Hazel said, laughing. They both drank and Hazel started talking again the moment she put her glass down. “Honestly though, I was picking out tomatoes. That’s why I’m late. Yesterday my assistant insisted he could do it and then this morning texted me to ask how does he do it.” 

Y/N laughed, shaking her head and sipping from her glass. Life wasn’t really easy on both of them - Hazel moved from Italy to Korean before college, wanting to start over in a different place. She studied business management and ended up opening her own restaurant. Working day and night, she managed to make it famous and known not only for the great environment but also for its delicious food. No wonder people made reservations three months ahead, to be sure they would have a spot when a family member visits for example. 

Lunch went by pretty fast - they had sushi, wine, and dessert. Y/N complained about the nurses and doctors at the hospital, Hazel complained about her waiters, assistants, and manager. They even got a free bottle of wine from the owner who happened to be a friend of Hazel and wanted to congratulate her on the award. 

 As they still had some time to kill before both needed to go back to their responsibilities, they decided to walk down the street. It was quite busy - lots of restaurants and stores. Tourists would always crowd the street because of how beautiful and busy it was. 

Both put their sunglasses on, grabbed some boba from a place right next to the sushi restaurant and started their way down the street. They were checking the stores, sipping from their tea and trying to make plans to go to Japan next January - trying because they were both sure they would be busy.  

That’s when they saw a small crowd gathered around someone. Or some people. They couldn’t be sure of where they were, but music was coming from the middle of the crowd. Hazel pointed towards it and Y/N just shrugged, following her friend towards the crowd. 

The crowd consisted mostly of younger girls, some even had large cameras on them, and they seemed pretty excited to be listening to the songs coming from the musicians. Y/N was about to say it was probably another idol group busking in downtown Seoul and would complain how unhealthy it is for younger people to be working this hard for a chance to succeed when she almost dropped her boba. 

She knew that voice. She was sure the last time they had seen each other was during high school, right before she moved back to America for college, but she knew that voice. Before Hazel, that voice would be the one giving her advice and complaining back whenever she complained about something. 

She had to be sure if that voice belongs to him. 

Y/N rushed towards the crowd, leaving a confused Hazel behind. The chef took some time to follow, calling Y/N out. “Hey! What’s going on?” she asked as she saw her friend tip-toeing behind all the other girls, obviously trying to see who was playing the song. 

“Remember that guy I told you about? The guy from my high school?” Y/N said, still trying to check who the voice belonged to. “This is his voice!” 

“Are you sure? How long has it been? Like… Ten years, right?” Hazel finished her drink, looking around for a trashcan. She wanted to ask how could she still remember a voice, but she knew who Y/N was talking about. He wasn’t just a friend, he used to be her best friend. When people asked Y/N who her best friend is, she would still say his name from time to time even though they haven’t spoken in years. 

“Mhm, around that. We sorta lost touch when I moved back to the US for college,” she said, biting on her lower lip. “He wanted to be a lawyer. At least he told me he was studying to be one… We would exchange emails every day until we… stopped. He got busy, I got busier… I don’t really know what happened. When I came back, he had a different phone number and no sns. And he had moved…” Y/N always tried to blame life on their separation when she knew what really had gone down - they had been drunk one night for her and day for him and might have said some I love yous on the phone, after that no one called or emailed again. 

“Just wait until the song is over…” Hazel said, shrugging. The people will go away and you’ll be able to see better. You can even talk to him,” she added and watched as Y/N sighed and nodded. 

The band - Hazel noticed there was a guitar player, a bass player, a drummer and the vocalist - played a few more songs. They invited people to follow them on all of their accounts and also talked about their schedule, they would play their official concert in a couple days - the entire band seemed really proud in Hazel’s eyes, Y/N could only pay attention to the man standing next to the guitar player who was giving their fans all the information. 

She was about to start biting her nails because of the wait when the fans started to walk away - apparently, their little show was over. Y/N started moving then, squeezing herself between the other girls, making her way through the crowd as Hazel followed. Both boba cups long gone, the two watched the band put their stuff away as they moved towards them. Y/N was making a beeline towards the vocalist and Hazel was afraid the girl might just walk into him if she didn’t stop. 

A larger, taller guy noticed the two girls approaching and started making his way towards them to stop them - he was probably a security guard or a manager, Hazel couldn’t tell. But that’s when Y/N suddenly stopped on her tracks, able to finally see the face who belong to the owner of the voice she missed so much. He didn’t notice her at first, focused on putting the instruments away and help his bandmates, but he did when she called his name. 

“Lim Soojung?” she bit on her lower lip as he looked up at her. He looked like he wasn’t used to being called by that name anymore since he had a very confused expression on his face. The security guard stopped and the other members looked up, also staring at the girls. Hazel noticed that the guitar player wasn’t really looking at Y/N, but at her… But decided to focus on her friend for now. 

It took them a moment of awkward silence for things to move. Lim Soojung, now known as Jihoo from IZ, opened up a smile and walked towards Y/N. “Y/N! What are you doing here?” he said, his cheeks slightly pink and his hands shoved into his pockets. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“I should be the one asking that question!” the girl pointed out. “I just had lunch, I.. uh…” she pointed back at the restaurant, not really knowing what else to say. “It’s been so long!” she added, biting on her lower lip. “Longer than it should. I didn’t know you were in a band!” 

“Yeah, uh… College didn’t work out as planned,” he made a face, making the girl laugh. “We’ve been playing together for a while now. I dropped out of college, served the army and then suddenly I was in a band,” he shrugged. 

 “That easy, uh?” the guy holding the guitar said, making both Y/N and Hazel laugh. Jihoo showed him his tongue. “I’m Hyunjun. Do you know Jihoo?” he asked Y/N. 

“Do I?” she made a face at her childhood best friend, who just shrugged and made another face. Hazel rolled her eyes, calling them idiots inside his mind. “We used to study together.” 

“That’s not even half of it,” Jihoo said, rolling his eyes. “I bet that’s how you talked about me to your American friends. We used to terrorize the school together. Her parents’ house was behind my parents’ house so we would go to school together everyday since elementary school. She used to spend months, even years, in the US but would always come back. We manage to study high school together - she was the class president and I was the vice president,” he added, not really looking at Hyunjun but at Y/N. He turned to the guitar player then and gave both him and Hazel a smile. “We didn’t just study together. Best friend I’ve ever had right here,” he pointed at Y/N who just shrugged. 

 “Friendship is overrated,” she said, scrunching her nose. 

“I hate you,” he said, giving her a pointed look. 

 “I know,” she shrugged, smiling at him. 

Hazel and Hyunjun just looked at each other, frowned and let themselves laugh. Best friends. Sure. Of course. There was nothing else there. Just used to study together. Nothing else to see. 

A man came to rush Hyunjun and Jihoo somewhere and both said they would be right there. 

“Gimme your phone,” Jihoo asked Y/N who promptly handed him the device. “I just gave you the number of a very famous singer. Don’t go telling people you have it,” he gave her the phone back while she laughed but only after calling his own phone so he would have her number. “I’m gonna text you the information about our concert. Come see us, okay?” 

The girl nodded, taking her phone and waving as both men walked away. 

As soon as they both walked into a black car, Hazel slapped Y/N on the shoulder. “You never told me you and your childhood best friend were in fucking love. That’s who your horoscope kept talking about!” 

 Y/N frowned. First at the slap and then at the things Hazel was saying. “What? Wait… No! What are you talking about? It’s not what you’re thinking, we used to be just friends.” 

“Just friends don’t look at each other like they finally found the love they thought they had lost when they meet ten years later at a street in Seoul,” Hazel pointed out, a single eyebrow raised. 

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut up,” she said. 

Neither Y/N nor Jihoo would ever admit to it, but Hazel was right. Maybe never was a strong word, but for now, they definitely would not. They made out several times during high school, went to the movies together all the time and even had picnics on Sundays near the river. Everyone at the school knew they were together, but they never admitted it. Giving something like that a name sounded scary - especially when Jihoo knew Y/N might move back to America sooner or later. 

 And as soon as high school was over, she did. At first, they exchanged emails, texts, phone calls, and letters. All the time. They would always find some time to talk about their days - midnight for Y/N, midday for Jihoo - but it all stopped one night. 

It was the weekend and Y/N had been out drinking with her friends. It was her first year of med school in New York and she planned to enjoy it while she still had the time to do so. Jihoo was still drunk from the night before, he had been out with some of his friends to celebrate his friend’s engagement. She called, he didn’t pick up. He called back, she didn’t pick up. She tried again and he finally answered. 

“What were you doing?” she had asked on the phone the minuted he picked up. 

“Thinking about you,” he joked, making her laugh. “I was making breakfast.” 

“What are you making?” she asked, taking her shoes off and finally walking into her apartment. She dropped the shoes somewhere but never letting the phone leave its place. 

“Your favorite,” he said and she could hear the smile on his face. 

“Pancakes,” she guessed, shaking her head on her end of the call. 

“Yep, pancakes,” he laughed.  

She wanted to call him an idiot and whine about making her want to crave pancakes this late at night. She wanted to protest and tell him to book a flight right this moment and come and made her some goddamn pancakes. And maybe kiss her. And maybe go on a picnic with her. And maybe let her introduce him to all this new people she had met. 

“Ugh, I love you, you idiot,” she said. She didn’t really expect to say it out loud. 

“I love you too, you idiot,” he said it right back to her. He didn’t really expect to reply as fast as he had. 

 Both quickly found a reason to hang up. “I’m too tired, sorry, gonna take a shower and head to bed,” Y/N had said. “Yeah, I need to get going with things here, the pancakes are burning,” Jihoo had said. 

And then they never called each other again. 

Now, years later, Y/N couldn’t stop wondering why they didn’t call when they should. Or texted. Or emailed. Or anything really. It didn’t make sense to her now.  

With that in mind, Y/N and Hazel said they goodbyes. Hazel had to go back to her restaurant while Y/N had the rest of the day off - she had just came out of a long shift that morning before lunch. She was going to ignore her feelings, take a shower and take a nap. Maybe that wasn’t really Jihoo, maybe she was just drunk from the wine they had during lunch.

She got the first text late that night. 

[23:33] So. Our concert. This Saturday. It’s not going to be huge or anything but I’d love for you to be there. -Jihoo 

[23:34] So. Your concert. I don’t even know the type of music you guys play. -Y/N 

[23:34] Easy. Emo. -Jihoo 

[23:35] It’s 2019. -Y/N 

[23:35] And? -Jihoo 

[23:36] You’re killing me here. What time is the concert? Saturdays are busy at the hospital. -Y/N 

[23:37] So you really became a doctor? At nine. But you can arrive a bit earlier if you want. I’m gonna save you a ticket. Just give the security your name at the door. -Jihoo 

[23:39] Pediatrician. I’ll let you know if I’ll be able to make it. -Y/N 

[23:39] I’m free for coffee tomorrow tho. -Y/N 

And then she got no reply. Y/N couldn’t help but think that she had gone too far. Maybe he just wanted her to go to the concert. As friends would. Maybe she had given Hazel’s words too much thought and had decided to invite him out on a whim. Maybe she should have kept to herself… Like she should have, years ago. 

But then her phone rang. 

“Soojung?” she picked up as she moved from her couch to her kitchen, looking for something to drink. 

“Hey! Sorry… It took longer than I thought to be able to step out to our balcony,” he laughed, making Y/N smile to the phone. “Where do you wanna go? I’m free tomorrow afternoon.” 

For a second Y/N didn’t really know what to say. She wasn’t expecting him to call just like they used to. She wasn’t even sure if he was real a couple hours ago. 

“There’s this café… They also serve a very mean hot chocolate and some boba if you’re feeling like it…” She bit on her lower lip for a moment and then told him the address. “What time is okay for you?” 

“Around three? I have rehearsal but then I’m free,” he said and she could hear the smile on his voice. It has been forever since the last time they had seen each other - or even talked - but Y/N could still guess what he was going to say or act next. 

“Okay. Don’t be late! I have an appointment at six,” she said, pouring herself a glass of wine. It was always wine o’clock in her apartment. 

“You’re the one who’s always late,” Jihoo laughed, shaking his head on his side of the phone call, biting on his own lips. He sighed and she could tell from her side that he wanted to say something more. 

They stayed just like that. In silence. Y/N sipped from her wine, Jihoo beathed calmly. After a few minutes, she broke the quiet. 

“Tomorrow then, right? I’ll text you when I’m on my way.” 

“Don’t be late!” he joked, making her laugh. “See you tomorrow Y/N!” 

And then she hung up before she could say anything stupid with a simple “See you, bye!”.  

[14:23] You’re going on a date!!!!!!!!!! - Hazel 

[14:23] Can you shut up? It’s not a date. We’re having coffee before the concert. -Y/N 

[14:23] You’re going on a date with your childhood crush. A childhood crush that loves you back, by the way. -Hazel 

[14:24] Are you guys going to talk at least? You know… About what happened? - Hazel 

[14:24] Nothing happened. We just had other things to do. I told you. -Y/N 

[14:24] You’re horrible at lying. Have I ever told you that? -Hazel 

[14:24] Have a great date!!!! He’s cute, okay? If you happen to ask about his band, can you give me the name of the guitar player? - Hazel 

[14:25] Hyunjun. - Y/N 

[14:25] ????? - Hazel 

 [14:25] Googled it. -Y/N 

And then Y/N shoved her phone back into her pocket and promised herself to never ever tell Hazel that she was going to have some coffee with some guy. Even though she knew Jihoo wasn’t just some guy. He was the guy for a very long time and who knows, maybe he still is. 

She looked around her office and checked the time. She had just finished her appointments for the afternoon and would have to come back at six only, the great thing about working at the hospital was that she could make her own schedules. Emergencies don’t wait to happen, but sometimes they don’t happen at all. 

She shoved her phone into her purse, her wallet and car keys. Reapplied her lipstick and checked on her eyeliner - she would rarely wear makeup to work, but she ended up putting in the effort today of all days. On her way out, Y/N ended up letting some nurses know she was leaving and would be back later - telling them to text her if anything happened. Even though she had brought her car keys with her, she decided on calling an Uber, it would take her forever to park at the café and it isn’t that far from the hospital anyway. 

When she got into the car, she checked the time. She wouldn’t be late this time. In fact, she would get there some good twenty minutes early… Just to prove Jihoo wrong, she wasn’t anxious to see him at all. She’s got better things to do. 

But to her surprise, he was already there when she arrived. 

At a table on the corner by the window, reading a book about some fantasy world and tapping his fingers on the table, following the song that was playing. Maybe Y/N stood there until the song was over, just watching her childhood best friend enjoying himself, maybe she didn’t notice how long until she moved to his table. 

"What am I supposed to call you now? Soojung or Jihoo?” she said, getting his attention as she got closer and took the seat right in front of his. 

He laughed, shaking his head and putting his book down. “It’s great to see you too,” he joked, shrugging. “Soojung is fine. It’s weird to hear you calling me Jihoo,” he added. 

“Because I don’t know that version of you?” 

“Because you know the better version.” 

“Ew. Greasy,” she scrunched her nose and made a face, showing him the tongue. 

“You asked for it,” he shrugged and she rolled her eyes. 

Whoever looked from the outside would think they have been together for a very long time or at least have known each other since forever. No one could tell they spent years without seeing each other or even hearing from one another. 

“Did you order already?” she asked, looking for a menu. 

“Not really. I had some tea while waiting for you, but that’s it.” 

They didn’t take long to order. Some waffles with banana and honey, a piece of strawberry pie and some matcha cookies. Jihoo ordered some tea and Y/N a hot chocolate. 

He finally put the book away - into his bag - when they sat down again. Y/N was trying to keep her eyes on him and Jihoo was pretty interested in the window right next to them. She was about to sigh when he started talking. 

“So, how was America?” 

She knew what he was asking. He wanted to know how was America without him. Without her family and the surroundings she was used to. He knew how her trips to America would be like and he knew where she lived and how. There was no information that he didn’t have… Expect how he managed to cope without calling him every night. 

“Weird,” she decided to say. “I mean… I was in college. Everything is weird during college. As soon as my specialization was over, I came back. I realized how much I missed living here,” she shrugged. “And my parents had come back too so I decided to follow them… What about you? How was Korea?” 

He laughed and she wished she could record the sound to listen to it again and again. “I tried law school but it wasn’t for me… My mom wasn’t very proud at the time,” he made a face and she widened her eyes in worry. “She’s proud now so we’re good!” he hurried with the explanation so her worried look would go away. “I served the army and then when I came back I sorta started a band with some of the guys who served with me. Hyunjun, Woosu and I served together even though we’re not the same age. Junyoung joined us a little later… He’s a friend of Woosu. It took us a while to find a company that would sign us because we’re a bit older than they want you to be, but we finally found one last year.” 

“That’s great! And you’re still singing… That’s amazing,” she smiled at him and he wanted to take a picture so he would never forget her smile. “What about the other guys?” 

“Woosu plays the drums, Junyoung the bass and Hyunjun the guitar. I play the keyboard sometimes… Or the piano. Or guitar. You know, whatever is needed,” he shrugged and she rolled her eyes. Again. It was something they would do all the time. 

“Did you know how to play all of those during high school?” she asked then, leaning back so the waiter could place their order on the table. She clapped in happiness and smile at the waiter, thanking him for their order. Jihoo just shook his head, laughing softly. 

"Not really…” he replied when the man had left, reaching for his cup of hot tea. “I knew how to play the piano only… And maybe a little bit of guitar, but that was it.” 

“Oh, that’s nice,” she smiled, reaching for a fork so she could steal a bite from the strawberry pie. “I only knew you could sing. I remember you used to sing some covers. Mostly Maroon 5, but okay.” 

“Shut up. You used to love it,” he laughed, grabbing a cookie from the table. “You pretty much begged me to cover Never Gonna Leave This Bed.” 

“It’s a great song!” she protested. 

They kept discussing music for a while. The tea and the hot chocolate got cold after a couple minutes, but they kept talking. They talked about music, college, and their parents. Y/N told Jihoo about Hazel and her new friends from the hospital, Jihoo told Y/N all about his band members and the people from their company. Soon the cookies were over and so was the pie, the waffles being the only thing remaining. 

“Will I see you at the concert?” Jihoo asked when Y/N checked the time and noticed she had to go, otherwise, she wouldn’t make it in time for her appointment. 

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it,” she said with a smile, drinking the remaining hot chocolate. “I guess you guys are the only emo band still going strong,” she teased, making Jihoo blush a little and just roll his eyes at her. 

“You’re officially uninvited,” he said and she immediately pouted. 

“Fine… Guess I’ll just go see that other band that I know then.” 

“You don’t know other bands.” 

“Don’t I? I don’t know. I might. Hazel might,” she shrugged, grabbing her purse to leave. 

“Would you miss the chance to hear me singing?” it was his turn to pout now, making Y/N roll her eyes. She wanted to punch his face. 

“That’s not fair,” she pointed at his face, standing up. “I’ll see you on Saturday. You better have some amazing songs,” she added. 

Y/N was going to just stand up and leave, but Jihoo moved along with her and walked around the table to offer her a hug. She didn’t wait for a second to just walk into his arms and let him hug her, hugging him back. The hug lasted a bit more than it should because neither wanted to let go and when they did, no one really wanted to step back. 

Jihoo made a face and then laughed, scrunching his nose and moving to sit down again to finish their waffles. “Go take care of the kids Mrs. Pediatrician,” he said, smiling at her but biting on the corner of his lips at the same time. 

“Yeah…. Right… The kids,” Y/N said, pressing her lips together and smiling to herself. “See you, Soojung,” she waved, finally walking away and out of the café. 

 “What’s his name again?” Hazel asked for the tenth time that night. Y/N was finishing her makeup and her friend had already arrived at her house. They had opened a bottle of wine while Y/N was getting dressed for the concert. 

“Hyunjun,” she said as she moved her hair around, trying to make it perfect. “He plays the guitar, likes to wear some weird vampire makeup apparently and according to Soojung he’s a bit… weird.” 

“I can do weird if vampire makeup is involved,” Hazel shrugged, drinking from her wine glass. 

“Will you ever forget your own emo days?” 

“Never,” she said from the couch as Y/N moved around the room looking for shoes. 

The chef was wearing black ripped jeans, a black coat, and a black shirt. Hazel would always wear black everything so Y/N wasn’t surprised when she showed up in all black at her place. The pediatrician was wearing something a bit more colorful, but still fitting for the concert - black pants, white t-shirt, and a red jacket. Brown eyeliner and red lipstick for Y/N, black eyeliner and purple lipstick for Hazel. Both had black combat boots on. 

Concert clothes will forever be concert clothes. It doesn’t matter how old they get. 

“Will you ever tell me what happened between you two?” Hazel asked when Y/N downed an entire glass of wine before applying her own lipstick. She was about ready to go, the lipstick was the only thing left. 

“We might have said some I love yous when we shouldn’t have…” she shrugged from the bathroom while she checked her lipstick. 

“You said what now? Wait… You guys know how the other feels about you?” Hazel stood up, leaving her empty glass by the sink and making her way to Y/N. “Why are you idiots still single?” 

“Well… Because we said things at the wrong time and place. I was in the US and he was here. Then he went to the army to serve and I was in college. We never talked again… I thought he might have forgotten, I don’t know.” 

“He obviously didn’t.” 

Y/N rolled her eyes and finished her makeup. She grabbed her purse and then made a beeline to the door. Not adding anything to the story of how she never talked to Jihoo ever again, she started putting her shoes on. “We obviously have a concert to go to. Come on,” she called Hazel and all her friend did was roll her eyes. 

The concert venue wasn’t far from Y/N’s apartment, but they took a taxi anyway. Hazel could tell Y/N was nervous - the same nervous she was when she noticed the voice on the street that day. She would never comment on it, but she could also tell that the reason she was nervous was because of the feelings she knew they both had. 

They didn’t arrive early or late but just in time to see them perform. Y/N gave their names to the security guard who let them in and guided them to the second floor - where they would be able to see the concert better. A few more people were there, some looked like parents and some looked rich. Jihoo had put them on the VIP area and Y/N would kick him later. 

The concert started before they had to interact with anyone else who was sharing the second-floor lounge with them, Y/N and Hazel quickly moved to the balcony to be able to see it all. 

The room was full. Mostly girls - just like the ones they had seen on the street that day - and some boys too. They were all cheering and obviously excited to see the band play. The crowd was screaming and manage to do it even louder when the band walked into the stage - Y/N had to fight the urge to wave, feeling like an idiot. 

As the band played, the girls moved to the music and paid attention to the lyrics. They cheered along with the crowd, letting themselves have fun. Y/N loved Eden and Angel, but her favorite was Crush on You. Hazel couldn’t decide between Ole Ole and Tears. But both agreed on one thing: Hello was the most beautiful song they had ever heard. 

Y/N had her eyes closed as she listened to it. Jihoo’s voice filling her ears in a room crowded with people. The memories followed: when they first met, the first time they skipped class, picnics they had together, all the times they would go over to each other’s houses just to listen to music or watch TV. How sad she would feel whenever her parents told her they would need to move back to the US for a bit - she would never understand why she had to go. And how happy she would feel whenever they told her they would go back to their house in Korean. She would always run to Jihoo’s house first thing with a backpack full of souvenirs she had bought for him. 

It was ridiculous how they didn’t notice sooner how much they loved each other. How much they wanted to stay together and be together. They say that first love never really lasts, but Jihoo and Y/N were fighting to prove everyone wrong. 

The concert was over right after Granulate and Hazel and Y/N were finally able to sit down a little. They greeted the other people in the room, saying their hellos and introducing themselves. “Oh, so you are the best friend!” Y/N heard from the band’s manager. “Jihoo speaks a lot about you. He would always tell us stories and everything,” he added. 

Y/N nodded and smiled, trying to just maybe hide inside the wall that was behind her. She was going to kick Jihoo for sure. 

They waited until the venue was empty to call on the VIPs waiting, letting them know the band was ready to see them. Y/N and Hazel let everyone go first, following them lazily to the backstage. When they arrived there, they were greeted by a party. 

The parents in the VIP lounge belonged to Woosu and they were hugging and exchanging supportive words in a corner. Junyoung was talking to the manager and this other guy that might be his friend, the girls couldn’t tell. Hyunjun and Jihoo had a beer each and were sitting on the couch - Hyunjun had his legs other Jihoo’s, but the older man simply pushed his legs away when he saw Y/N. 

“Hey! Did you like the concert?” Jihoo asked, standing up and moving to get to Y/N. 

“Yeah, it was awesome! You guys are great!” she said, looking at Hyunjun behind Jihoo and giving him a thumbs up. “I brought Hazel with me just in case I needed to lie about the quality of the music, but you guys are amazing so…” she shrugged, winking at Hyunjun and then moving back to look at Jihoo. “Your voice is still pretty good.” 

"I took some classes,” he said, adjusting his posture and making her laugh. 

“I’m sure you did,” she said, biting on her lower lip. “Do you guys write your own songs too?” 

“Some of them,” he frowned and then drank from his beer. “Which one are you interested in?” 

“Hmmmm, Eden. And Crush on you,” she said, watching as his eyes shone a bit brighter. She smiled at him. “And Hello.” 

Hazel and Hyunjun were having their own little conversation on the side. The guitar player was wearing black pants and a white t-shirt. His hair was both wet and a mess, the makeup still strong. They introduced themselves, talked about the concert, exchanged numbers, talked about music and invited each other out. 

The other people in the room were starting to leave. The band had the day off the next day, some of them weren’t even expected to be in the dorm. Junyoung, the manager and his friend had already left the room. Woosu and his parents were packing his things. Y/N and Jihoo were still talking about the songs they played and Hazel and Hyunjun were having a passionate talk about food. 

Soon Woosu and his parents left, saying their goodbyes and wishing everyone a great Sunday. Y/N and Jihoo just waved, but Hazel and Hyunjun notice that maybe it was their time to leave. Hyunjun packed his stuff and then they just left - Hazel did text Y/N that she was leaving, but her friend didn’t even pick up her phone from her pocket. 

Jihoo and Y/N were left alone in the room. 

And it took them forever to notice. 

“Okay, but who wrote Hello then? And don’t avoid the question this time. I already asked like… five hundred times,” she said, rolling her eyes. 

“Why do you want to know?” 

“Because it was my favorite!” she added them, crossing her arms. 

 Jihoo rolled his eyes and put his beer aside so he could reach out for both of her hands. He took them and looked her in the eyes. “You know how impossible you are sometimes?” he made a face and she just shrugged. “It’s my song. I wrote a long time ago. Right after a friend of mine called me in the middle of the day… or night… to say some, uh… unexpected stuff.” 

“Oh…” she nodded. She was that friend. The I Love You were the unexpected stuff. Night for her, day for him. The lyrics made sense… They said so many hellos in their lives and that night over the phone they had said the last one. Until now. “I’m sure she meant it.” 

“I know. That’s why I said it back,” he shrugged. 

They just stood there, holding hands. Looking into each other’s eyes. The feeling was still there, all the love they have kept inside for all this time, all the passion and all the friendship they held dear. And it was probably never going away. They have been through so much - together and far from each other - and now they would be able to do it all over again. 

Jihoo pulled her closer by the hands and she stood up on her tiptoes. It wouldn’t be their first kiss - they’ve had several of those before - but it was about to be the first one in a very long time. Y/N let go of his hands to rest hers on his shoulders and his hands quickly found their way - one to behind her neck and the other on her lower back. 

They kept kissing until both needed to stop for air, laughing softly as they leaned back just a little. Jihoo wrapped his arms around her in a hug, bringing her closer to his chest. She wrapped her arms around him too, getting comfortable in his arms. 

“Hey…” he called and she just groaned from her place in his chest, moving his head to look up at him. “Will you run away again if I say I love you?” 

She shook her head. “Will you stop calling if I say I love you back?” she asked, raising one eyebrow at him and he shook his head. “Maybe we should give it a try?” 

He nodded and decided he should be the one to start. “I love you, Y/N,” he said, a bit smile on his face, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

“I love you, Soojung,” she said, laughing softly and standing on her tiptoes again to press a kiss to his cheek. 

They let themselves laugh, shaking their heads and letting go of the hug. “C’mon, grab your stuff. We have to celebrate your first concert!” she said when they let go. “Let’s go eat some barbecue,” she added. 

He widened his eyes and quickly moved to grab his things, reaching for her hand on his way to the door. She laughed as she followed, holding his hand. They passed by Junyoung, the manager and Hyunjun and Jésica and didn’t even notice the other at the door. 

First loves aren’t really meant to last, but Y/N and Jihoo were about to prove everyone wrong. 

[sinsiriuslyemo]

Welcome to another season of Cuba v DR!! It’s going to be a wild ride. Fair warning...

EPISODE 1

“Oh my god I love school days,” you screamed as Nevada grabbed you, dipping you into a kiss. The two of you had spent the last few days cherishing the time you spent alone. You kissed back and tugged him until you both plopped onto the couch laughing. “Are you gonna come in with me to the doctor?”

The two of you had discussed a more permanent form of birth control than pills. You'd settled on the implant that would work for three years.

“Yeah, if you want,” he replied, shrugging and looking over at you. “When is it?”

“In two hours,” you said softly. It wasn't that you were nervous, you just didn't love the idea of someone staple gunning birth control into your arm.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, I told you that,” he replied.

“I don't want to have to keep worrying about a pill. Plus, it's important to me to let you know that I respect your decision. We either both want a baby or neither.” You kissed his lips and smiled. “You and the kids have always been enough for me.”

“Okay,” he answered. “What time the kids supposed to be back? You know?” he asked.

“Yeah they get back at five, so we have a few hours after the doctors. We just need to stop by Izzy's first to eat.” You tugged him close and kissed him before moving to grab your shoes.

“Sounds good. Let me just change my shirt, and we can go,” he replied.

Izzy settled herself against the headstone in the graveyard.

“Hi mommy,” she said softly, fingers running over the cold marble. “As of today it's been officially nine years. That seems like...a lot. I was married for a while. Her name was Lila, I really loved her. My art is selling, can you believe it?” She smiled, fingers tracing over the engraving as she sighed.

“You remember my brother and my sister. They're doing really well. Rafi got married. I know you wouldn't have loved him at first but you would have grown to love him. His wife is so incredible. My nephew, Eddie is my best friend. We live together now. He's been through some really hard times too so I think we're good for each other.”

She felt the first droplets of rain, thinking she should have brought a jacket or an umbrella.

“Things have been really hard this year mom,” she whispered, feeling her voice crack. “You always told me I was the strong one, but I know how you felt when dad left and...I don't feel strong at all. What am I supposed to do when the love of my life leaves?”

She sniffled, pressing her forehead to the grave as it began to pour down rain. It felt almost cleansing in that moment, the cold water washing away the hurt she felt. She had thought she was okay but she certainly wasn't, loud sobs and hiccups being drowned out in the rain.

“I don't know what to do,” she cried. “I don't know what to do…”

After a while, she got up and wiped her face, though the rain made the gesture futile, and walked toward the graveyard entrance. She quickened her step as she got closer to the exit, throwing her arm up in attempts to hail a cab.

By the time she arrived home she was met with Greyson, Eddie, Rafael and Roxie.

“Did you forget about lunch today?” Eddie said with a frown. He moved over to her and took his coat off the rack by the door, wrapping it around her. “You're soaking wet Iz. What the fuck?”

“Where’d you go?” Rafael asked, moving into the hallway and grabbing a towel from the linen closet, bringing it to her.

“See my mom,” she answered.

“I thought we were all going to go,” Roxie chimed, glancing at Rafael.

Izzy jerked her head to look away from them, moving towards her room.

“Izzy, change your clothes and give me the wet ones, I’ll put them in the wash,” Rafael called out after her.

Roxie frowned. “Should someone help her? I can't imagine losing someone I loved the way Izzy loved her mum. This must be so painful.”

“She's being a drama queen,” Eddie said with a roll of his eyes. “She didn't die yesterday she died nine years ago.”

“Still, it’s her mother,” Rafael said softly. “Roxie, would you help her get out of her wet clothes?”

Roxie nodded, moving to the bedroom. “Izzy, honey let me help you change, okay?”

“I’m fine,” Izzy called back.

“Izzy, let her in,” Rafael called out as he sat at the table again to wait for the wet clothes.

Izzy slowly opened the door, tossing out the wet clothes and slamming it again.

“You know, Izzy, I'd love to hear more about your mum,” Roxie said softly. “Do you have pictures or videos? I want to know what she was like, how she raised such an amazing girl.”

Izzy opened the door in pajamas now and rolled her eyes. “You don't have to pretend to care.”

“I am not pretending,” Roxie answered, handing Rafael the dripping clothes. “I truly want to know.”

“We all do,” Greyson offered. “It’s why we’re all here, to remember her.”

Izzy looked down at her feet before going back into her room, slamming the door.

“She just wants people to feel sorry for her--”

“Eddie,” Rafael said, coming out of the laundry room and shaking his head.

“What? She does. Drama queen.”

“Remember what the therapist said about trying to understand where people are hurting and empathizing with them?” Greyson said softly.

Eddie rolled his eyes. “Yeah I guess.”

Izzy came back out, moving to sit on the couch. She set a series of drawings on the table before moving to put a DVD into the player. “This is all I have of her,” she said softly as Roxie sat beside her.

“These are beautiful,” Roxie said, looking at all the drawings. “Rafael, look at these!” she called out.

Her husband came out from the laundry room and sat next to his wife, draping an arm on the back of the couch behind her.

“These are great, Iz,” he said, smiling.

“My favorite,” Izzy said softly. Tracing her fingers over the picture. Her mother was looking over her shoulder, one fishnet clad leg hiked up on a chair as she shot everyone a sultry gaze. She was incredibly beautiful.

“You look so much like her,” Rafael mused softly as Greyson and Eddie came to join them.

“What’s on the DVD?” Eddie asked.

“The only video I have of her...I listen to her voice a lot.”

She pressed play as a woman in a pink tank top with black lace came on the screen, her hair disheveled and messy but she was smiling at the camera.

“Are you going to be behind the camera the entire time?” She laughed and tried to cover her face. “Matias, I look like a mess.”

A toddler ran into the video, screaming and jumping right onto her mom.

The woman laughed and kissed her daughter's hair. “There she is,” she said softly against Izzy’s temple. “My beautiful angel.” She turned to the camera again. “Wave at daddy. Say hi!”

The toddler shook her head, hiding her face in her mom's chest.

“Come on, can't you say hi to daddy?” she coaxed.

Again the toddler shook her head.

The video cut out after that and Izzy remembered the beating that came from not listening to her mother.

Rafael had tensed a little, happy that at the very least his father hadn’t spoken a word, and gave Izzy a smile.

“She looked really happy,” he said.

“She was so beautiful, and funny, and sweet. She didn't wanna be a dancer forever. Someday she wanted to be a movie star.”

Eddie snorted a laugh, quickly getting elbowed by Greyson.

“I bet she could’ve been,” Rafael mused softly.

“She didn’t want to do something where she could use her PhD from Stanford?” Eddie asked sarcastically.

“Eddie, knock it off,” Rafael chimed, furrowing his brows at his nephew.

“Nah, she had always been someone who wanted to be on the big screen.” Izzy’s bottom lip trembled, eyes filling with tears. “I don't have anything but my sketches and that video. I don't remember her smell, how she sounded when she made breakfast. The way her hair felt between my fingers.”

“Did she wear perfume?” Greyson asked.

Izzy nodded. “Yeah she did.”

“What kind? Do you remember the name?” Roxie asked.

Izzy thought for a moment then shook her head sadly as there was a knock at the door.

Eddie got up and answered the door, smiling at you and Nevada. “Hey tio, hey tia,” he said, hugging each of you.

You hugged back. “Hey I'm sorry we can't stay, but I brought flowers, candles and some of my old jewelry for your mom's grave. I figured she should still be glamorous even in death.”

Izzy smiled and got up, hugging you tight, then Nevada. “I didn't think you guys would come…”

“Of course we came,” you answered, coming to say hello to Roxie and Rafael, then Greyson.

“What’re we watching?” Nevada asked.

“It was a home movie of her mom,” Rafael replied.

“Not the good kind,” Eddie mused.

“Eddie,” Roxie mumbled.

“Come on Eddie, stop busting her chops,” Rafael said.

“Do you mind if we watch it too?” you asked.

Izzy played the video again. You watched, looking the woman over, studying her, then Izzy.

You couldn't help but grin. “She's so beautiful. You look just like her.”

“Thanks,” Izzy replied, smiling.

“Well...now that everyone is here, shall we eat? Hopefully the rain will have let up by the time we’re finished,” Roxie suggested, standing up, smiling at everyone.

As you all sat down, you smiled at Izzy, holding her hand.

She smiled softly and looked at her siblings. “Thank you everyone for being here.”

Rafael smiled back at her before he looked at Roxie, taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it.

“Izzy, I know how much you miss your mom, and I know how hard this day has to be for you every year, but I hope this shows you that you still have people who love you in your life. I know it’s not the same, but I just wanted to say that we’re always here for you, no matter what. So here’s to Annabell Barba, may she rest in peace, and always be in your heart,” Rafael said, lifting his glass.

Everyone toasted to Annabell.

Izzy had never felt so loved in her life. She couldn't help it as she cried again.

After lunch, you and Nevada made your way to the doctors. You sat down on the table.

“We should set up a tent in the house and indoor camp with the kids later, they'd love it.” You said as you took your top off, sliding the gown over your top half.

“Indoor camp? Why not just camp on the roof?” he asked.

“Even better,” you grinned and smiled at the doctor came in.

“Alrighty, Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez. Always great to see you. Let's get started shall we.”

The doctor pulled a tray out from a cabinet, starting to set things up.

“So how does this work? You gotta open her up, or you just go in through the hole?” Nevada asked.

The doctor chuckled. “The implant actually goes right in her arm. Mrs. Ramirez if you can lay your arm down on the table for me. If you want to hold your husband’s hand, you can.”

You look to Nevada. You weren't too nervous. You'd been shot. But no matter how many injuries you'd endured, you still couldn't stand needles.

He offered his hand without a word and squeezed while the doctor shot the implant into your arm.

“Okay,” he said, cleaning the area and putting a bandaid on it. “That’s it. We’re all done. This is good for three years, and if you ever want it out sooner, you can just come in and get it removed. You can get dressed now, Mrs Ramirez.”

You nodded and pulled on your shirt, smiling at Nevada. “You owe me ice cream,” you said playfully. “Anyone who gets birth control staple gunned into her deserves ice cream, don't you think?”

“I told you I’d get snipped of you wanted me to,” he replied, smirking at you as he stood and walked out with you, settling the visit at the front desk before you left.

“I know, but this is less permanent. If anything changes we have the option. If not, and three years go by. We're gonna neuter you so I don't have to do it again.”

“Alright,” he replied, following you out. “So ice cream, huh?”

You nodded. “Chocolate, with sprinkles,” you whispered with a smirk.

“Alright, come on,” he mumbled, opening the car door for you and getting into the driver’s seat. “You okay? Never asked how you felt watching that video of Izzy’s mom...with your old man…”

“It was a lot,” you said honestly. “Not because of Izzy's mom. I feel so...bad for her. Because I know how that video ended. It was how any day with my dad ended. A fist.”

“He’s gone,” he replied. “He can’t hurt any of you guys anymore.”

You nodded and took a deep breath before holding his hand. “I love you.”

“Love you too,” he replied.

Rafael looked up from his place at the dining room table at Roxie, who was working on some new recipes in the kitchen. He’d been thinking a lot lately, about his career and his life, about he and Roxie’s life together.

Getting up from his chair, he went into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him until her back was flush against his chest. Pressing his nose against her hair, he sighed softly, dropping a kiss behind her ear.

“Hey,” he said softly, kissing down her neck. “I’ve been thinking,” he whispered as one hand grazed along her side, letting his fingertips drag her skirt up a little to touch her bare skin.

“Have you?”

“Mhm,” he hummed as his other hand moved to drift over her stomach, pulling her further against him.

“About?” she asked, tilting her head to one side as he dropped gentle kisses over her pulse point.

“Let’s make a baby,” he whispered into her ear, gently biting down on the lobe.

She moaned and giggled. “I know I'm a good chef but that's a tall order. It uses a different kind of oven you know,” she teased.

“I’m serious,” he mumbled against her skin as his hand ran up and down her leg.

“Really?” She smiled, turning and sliding her fingers into his hair and he nodded his head. “Alrighf, let's have a baby.”

Smiling at her, he bent to pull her up until her legs wrapped around his waist, kissing her as he carried her into their bedroom. Laying her down on the bed, his hand slid over her leg until her dress was pushed up around her hips while he kissed down her neck.

She shivered, moaning loudly. “Oh, we're making that baby now?” She tugged him closer.

“I thought I made my intentions pretty clear, but if you object…” he replied, head coming up to look down at her with a smirk.

She giggled and shook her head. “No, no by all means, put a baby in me,” she whispered and kissed him again.

Humming against her mouth, he ground his hips against hers while he kissed down to her chest, pulling her dress off and teasing first one nipple, then the other.

“I love you, Roxie,” he whispered, biting down on the stiff peak as one hand drifted to skim his fingers over the inside of her thigh. Kissing down her body, he pulled her panties off and kissed over her hips.

She whimpered, arching her back. “Rafael, you feel so incredible,” she whispered as he kissed along her inner thigh, making his way up to her center.

“So do you,” he mumbled, licking up her slit until he was honing in on her clit. His hands held her hips against him as he licked and sucked her core.

She relaxed against him, body feeling every sensation as she touched him. “I love you.” She arched her hips up a bit.

Moaning against her, he sucked the tender nub above her opening, finger coming under his chin, tracing her opening.

She shivered, trying to push herself closer to the stimulation. She tugged him a bit closer, lightly pulling at the roots of his hair as he slid his finger inside her.

Thrusting it in and out of her, he hummed against her, free hand stroking over her body.

As her breathing grew heavy, she started to twitch. “O-oh god, that feels...oh…”

Sliding another finger in, he moaned against her, moving them faster inside her before curling them forward to massage her gspot and sucking harder on her clit. His body was on fire beneath his clothes, throbbing, longing to be touched, and he groaned as he inhaled through his nose and caught a huge whiff of her scent. Doubling his efforts, he moaned against her again, beckoning her over the edge.

It took her less than a few seconds before she was coming hard, panting and blushing. He smirked against her, humming as he gradually brought her down and turned his head to lay wet kisses over the inside of her thighs before he made his way back up her body. Taking her lips in a passionate kiss, he let her roll them over until he was on his back.

She kissed him, moving down his body, looking up at him and silently asking if she could return the favor. Nodding his head, he reached for the hem of his shirt to take it off.

She tugged his jeans and boxer briefs down, leaning over and licking the head of his cock in amusement. “Mmmm, you're always so hard for me, Rafi.”

“Always for you, mi amor,” he replied, his hands stroking over the skin of her arms.

She took him into her mouth, slowly at first, licking her way down to the base before going back up. As she repeated the motions, she varied her pace, fingers tracing up his thighs and moving to his balls to give them a gentle massage.

Groaning, he arched and reached one hand to run through her hair, picking his head up momentarily to meet her gaze before he let it fall back against the mattress. Biting down on his bottom lip, he moaned and tried to keep his hips from rocking upward.

“That feels so good, Roxie,” he whispered.

She hummed around his cock, not pushing him too hard, she wanted to make love. Her eyes closed as she took him down again, trying to reach the base as best as she could before pulling back off to lap precum off the tip.

“You taste amazing,” she purred. “I can't wait to feel you inside of me, my love.”

“Oh God, Roxie,” he groaned, shuddering and arching his back again.

She waited until he was close before pulling back and kissing him hungrily, moving to straddle him. She moved his member to her entrance, making eye contact with him before slowly easing down onto him.

Groaning again, he pulled her down for another passion-filled kiss, rolling them over and beginning a slow, tender pace.

“I love you so much,” he whispered against her lips.

“I love you too. I want a baby with you, Rafael Barba.” She smiled, tears rolling down her cheeks, she was so happy.

“So do I,” he replied, smiling back and using the back of his fingers to wipe her tears away. “Let’s see what we can do about that,” he whispered against her cheek, kissing her neck and sucking a mark on her pulse point as he moved over her.

She felt every piece of him. Every touch of his flesh on hers. She felt so sensitive. “Oh Rafael,” she whined and pulled him closer.

He moaned her name against her skin, kissing her again while his hips moved steadily against her. Tucking his face against her neck, he moved slightly faster, hands gliding over her side before one reached down to pull her leg up, allowing him to sink deep inside her.

“You feel so good, mi amor,” he purred.

She panted, arching a bit. “I'm close, Rafi, I want to come with you,” she whispered. “Please.”

“Oh...okay,” he replied, moving faster to try and catch up with her. Looking down at her, he nuzzled his nose against hers and kissed her again.

She cupped his face, kissing him and breathing to slow herself down to match him. “I love you,” she whispered with a smile. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” he replied through a smile.

She kissed him again, wrapping her legs tight around his body as she gripped him tighter. Moving harder inside her, he moaned against her mouth, arching his hips up to stimulate her gspot. His moans were coming closer together as his arms wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

She screamed his name as she came, clenching tight around his cock as she kissed him. “Rafi, Rafi, Rafi,” she whispered against his skin.

He followed right behind her, coming and moaning against her neck, slowing his hips gradually to prolong both their orgasms.

“I love you,” he whispered, dropping kisses over her face. “I love you so much.”

She sniffled, hiding her face. “I'm so...happy, I love you and...” she hiccuped and hugged him closer.

“And?” he asked softly, letting his nose graze along her cheekbone.

“I'm so excited,” she said between shaky breaths as she hugged him.

“I am too, but let’s not get our hopes up just yet. The midwife said it may a few tries for you to get pregnant,” he replied, hugging her back. “But I want us to have a family together,” he added against her mouth, kissing her gently.

She nodded and kissed back. “We'll just have to keep trying till we get it right then,” she teased, kissing him.

He nodded his head, letting his forehead rest against hers.

“And we're off! Fast foot Fallon rounding the track with the assistance of her talented but less adorable mother, Amber.” Troy narrated with a grin as he watched Amber hold Fallon's hands and let her walk around the kitchen.

“Oh ladies and gentlemen it is a new world record, move over Usain Bolt.” Amber picked up the baby, pretending to cheer.

“The crowd goes wild!” Troy claps his hand.

“Hey, I never asked you--how'd that date go?” she asked, moving to grab Fallon’s baby food and sitting her in the highchair.

“Good,” he said with a nod. “How was your date?” He smoothed down Fallon's wild hair and kissed her head.

“Well, I don’t know if you can still call them dates if you’re dating, you know? But we had a good time, I’d never seen The Nutcracker live,” she replied, smiling.

He smiled back. “Was it interesting?”

Amber squinted a bit. “Yes..?”

Troy laughed. “That's not very convincing.”

She opened her mouth to speak but was distracted by the door.

“That must be Scott. He's going to spend the day with me and Fallon.”

Troy quirked a brow and stood. “Then I should take that as my hint to leave,” he teased as he opened the door for Scott. “Hey man,” Troy nodded politely.

“Hey Troy, how’ve you been?” Scott asked, holding out his hand to shake Troy’s.

“Good, the date turned out pretty nice, I'm gonna head out and maybe see if she wants to go to the shooting range.” He moved to Amber, playfully ruffling her hair before kissing Fallon's forehead. “See ya later, pip squeak.”

He moved to the door and nodded at Scott again before heading out.

Amber smoothed down her hair and moved to Scott, kissing him with a smile. “Hey handsome.”

“Hi,” he replied  kissing her back before looking at Fallon. “And hello to you, little lady.”

The baby stuck her little hand into her jar of baby food and stuffed it into her mouth.

“Fallon, mi amor, calmete, despacito,” Amber scolded as she took a cloth and wiped the babies mouth.

“I didn’t know you spoke Spanish,” he said, sitting at the table next to Fallon’s chair.

“I speak five languages, all I ask is Fallon speaks two.” She brushed a hand over her daughter's hair. “Her father is primarily a Spanish speaker, it's important to me that she learns too.”

The baby reached out for Scott. “Dadadada,” she babbled as she tried to stand in her chair. Getting a bit fussy.

“Whoa, careful there or you’ll fall,” Scott replied, picking up the toddler. “Are you all done?” he asked.

The baby waved both hands in a shaking motion.

“She's saying all done in sign language,” Amber said as she started to clean the tray off.

“I actually know that,” he replied, smiling. “I speak sign language, my brother is deaf so…”

“Yeah?” She quirked a brow. “I didn't know that about you.”

She smiled as Fallon snuggled against Scott signing the word for happy.

“Now you know,” he replied, signing back to Fallon. “So what have you ladies been up to today?”

“We practiced our walking, and then I had Troy watch her so I could shower before you arrived and now I have wet hair, no makeup and a baby who is very happy to be held.” She laughed when Fallon signed happy again.

“Wow, that’s a big day,” he replied, signing to ask Fallon if she was tired.

“Mami, tu quieres dormir?”

Fallon signed back and nodded her head and Scott handed her over.

Amber picked her up and carried her to the crib, kissing her hair and laying her in her crib.

“I love you,” she whispered to her daughter. “There is nothing in this world you can't do. Never forget that.”

Fallon just stared up at her before her little eyes began to drift shut, one hand coming to rub her left one.

Amber waited until she was asleep before moving to the couch. “So what are we planning to do, hmm?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

“I don’t know, I just thought I’d stop by and say hello. How’s the editing coming along? Nicole driving you crazy yet?” he asked.

“Yes,” Amber said seriously. “I don't want to work with her. Not that my other options are better. But she's driving me insane.” Amber shook her head. “I can't talk about it. I'll just stress.” She looked up at him and smiled. “How about you? How's work?”

“Usual. I have a client who is hell-bent on selling me novel about a reporter who gets caught in a zombie apocalypse so there’s that. Sometimes I wonder where these weirdos come from. I mean I know writers are weird, but some are just way out there.”

She snorted a laugh. “Are you sure he's not fucking with you? That's the plot to Dead Rising.”

“No, he’s not because that’s what I told him. He is absolutely serious,” he answered. “So Fallon’s walking, huh?”

Amber lit up. “Oh god yes, she's so fast now. She still needs a little help but she is a total speed demon. I can barely keep up with how fast she wants to go.”

He snorted, nodding his head. “I guess kids are like that,” he replied.

Amber blinked a few times. “They get so big, so fast,” she said softly. “I swear she was born...yesterday.”

“Time always flies, I can only imagine how much faster it feels when you have a child. How’s her speech coming along?”

“She says mom and dad. She's very fluent in signing but still not much verbal communication.” Amber smiled and kissed him. “Do you ever want kids of your own?” she asked curiously.

“I actually had a vasectomy when I was eighteen. I never wanted kids,” he answered honestly, shrugging a little.

“Eighteen?” She stared at him for a moment. “That's a big step to take at eighteen, wow.”

“Yeah, I just knew I wanted to enlist, and that even if I did settle down someday, I...I don’t know maybe it was the way I grew up with so many siblings, I just never wanted kids,” he replied. “Is that...a problem?”

“Of course not, I never wanted kids either. Fallon was a miracle but she was definitely unexpected. I'm not supposed to be able to have children.” She looked him over. It did concern her about a future with him. He didn't want kids. That was fine, she didn't want more kids either but what about her baby?

“And she’s great,” he replied, shrugging. “I mean, would you go back and change things if you could?”

“Never,” she said with a smile. “She's the best thing in my life.”

“Yeah, see?” he replied. “Life is sometimes funny that way, it hands you things you don’t expect that turn out to be amazing things.”

“Yeah, it really is funny,” she said softly, looking up and him. “I really wanna make us work,” she whispered.

He furrowed his brows a little, the corner of his mouth lifting. “I thought we are working,” he replied.

“We are, but I know me and I over think. I say stupid shit, I sabotage good things before they even get started and I'm so scared I'm going to lose you before we even really get started.”

“Well...try not to overthink,” he replied, chuckling. “We’re in a good place, I thought and we’ve only been seeing each other...barely a month. Just relax.”

Amber closed her eyes and took a few shaky breaths. “You're right,” she whispered.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she said honestly. She looked up at him and smiled.

“Okay,” he replied, smiling back. “So what do you wanna do after the little one wakes up?” he asked.

“She really likes the aquarium.”

“Sounds like fun, we’ll go to the aquarium then,” he replied, smiling.

[sunflower-live]

92 Truths

I was “tagged” ;) by @liamsgoldenjacket 

Rules: Once you have been tagged you are supposed to write 92 truths about yourself. at the end, choose 25 people to tag!

THE LAST… 1. Drink: iced latte from a super super cool french bakery (la panier) in pike place - anyone that lives in seattle or visits seattle needs to go here!!!! 2. Phone call: my friend asking me for directions somewhere  3. Text message: group chat with my sister and mom (mom asking if we drove into the city or took the bus)  4. Song you listened to: shazamed a song that was playing in forever 21 which was a zayn song i didn’t know about (cruel - snakehips feat. zayn)  5. Time you cried: my horse trainer and her horse fell 20 ft into a ravine and she was stuck for over 4 hours and had to be airlifted to the hospital and she broke her neck and pelvis and i watched the news story and it was horrifying 

HAVE YOU EVER…

6. Dated someone twice: no 7. Been cheated on: no 8. Kissed someone and regretted it: i off and on have regretted kisses 9. Lost someone special: no 10. Been depressed: hecka from 7-10 grade  11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: lol nothing makes me throw up

LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS:

- emerald green - maroon - navy blue 

IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU… 15. Made new friends: probably 16. Fallen out of love: no 17. Laughed until you cried: all the time 18. Found out someone was talking about you: no 19. Met someone who changed you: i don’t think so?  20. Found out who your true friends are: lol what friends 21. Kissed someone on your Facebook list: no

22. How many of your Facebook friends do you know in real life: almost all of them 23. Do you have any pets: boy do i - 3 horses, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and some chickens but who cares about those (only the horses and dogs are actually mine - the rest are the families)  24. Do you want to change your name: no. i don’t even know if i’ll want to change my last name if i get married

25. What did you do for your last birthday: i went into the city with my parents and sister and went to some expensive ass restaurant and the waiter was fucking hilarious and v flamboyant and he brought me a tiny plastic tiara and ring pop with the bill. i didn’t even like the food but i would legit go back just to see him 26. What time did you wake up: 8:00am 27. What were you doing at midnight last night: reading fanfic (rip me)

28. Name something you cannot wait for: the harry concerts i’m going to that are A YEAR AWAY. 

29. When was the last time you saw your mother: like 15min ago  30. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life: sometimes  wish i never got into riding horses because then i would probably play lacrosse or something and i would’ve gotten good grades (because i wouldn’t have just skipped school to ride and show) and i’d have gone to college and i’d literally have a normal life - so i wish i could have a normal college student life 31. What are you listening to right now: nothing 32. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: i’m sure i have

33. Something that is getting on your nerves: my mother and my sister  34. Most visited website: tumblr 35. Elementary: ? i went to elementary school up the road from my house. not a great experience but tbh i remember very little of my childhood 36. High School: ? i went to regular high school but took classes at the alternative school as well. i graduated in 2015 37. College/university: tbd. i’ve taken the community college entrance exams but that’s about it. i would like to go but it’s just not on my radar atm with all of the horse stuff i’m doing. 38. Hair color: very blonde 39. Long or short hair: i guess it would be considered long - mid back 40. Do you have a crush on someone: yes and i can’t fucking help it and it’s been over 5 years 41. What do you like about yourself: i’m really good at riding and training horses? 42. Piercings: first holes on both ears and then i did my own second on one ear and two cartilages on one ear + my nose 43. Blood type: i don’t have a clue 44. Nickname: izzy, iz, bella 45. Relationship status: single for the rest of eternity  46. Zodiac sign: taurus 47. Pronouns: she/her 48. Favorite tv show: i have so many. top five would have to be: it’s always sunny, how i met your mother, doctor who, ink master, and the challenge 49. Tattoos: black and white sunflowers on my ribs (the artist did not do them how she sketched them but they’re not bad - just not my style), russian doll on my upper arm, and a swedish flower design on my upper arm (that my mom also got so she picked it out) - i LOVE the doll and flowers. i’ve been seriously considering getting a horse shoe in the same style but i’m broke af right now and my artist is moving back to sweden :( 50. Right or left hand: right

FIRST…

51. Surgery: tonsils and ear tubes when i was really little  52. Piercing: my ears when i was in first or second grade 54. Sport: horses when i was 5 (plus multi sport summer camps and tball but those don’t count) 55. Vacation: i used to go to the hamptons a lot when i was little because my aunt was dating a super nice rich guy that lived there.  56. Pair of trainers: fuck i don’t know

57. Eating: is this still firsts because i don’t have a clue (if not firsts, nothing) 58. Drinking: lol milk? (if not firsts, nothing)  59. I’m about to: eat dessert 

60. Listening to: nothing

61. Waiting for: nothing 62. Want: more money because i’m broke as shit 63. Get married: i really hope so 64. Career: hopefully a horse trainer but my dad might be getting me a job as his office assistant that could then lead to me working in one of their hotels 

YOUR TYPE…

65. Hugs or kisses: not a fan of either but i’ve only kissed two guys so maybe i’m just missing out 66. Lips or eyes: eyes 67. Shorter or taller: taller 68. Older or younger: doesn’t really matter but in a relationship i’d rather go for older. 70. Nice arms or nice stomach: arms? i don’t really care though 71. Sensitive or loud: both but not too much of either 72. Hook up or relationship: anything is better than the nothing i’m getting (but i’d say relationship) 73. Troublemaker or hesitant: troublemaker as long as it’s nothing against the law 

HAVE YOU EVER… 74. Kissed a stranger?: yes ( tbt to my first kiss as an innocent 12 year old ) 75. Drank hard liquor?: yes  76. Lost glasses contact/lenses: all the time

77. Turned someone down: i was hanging out with a guy once and he said we should go get dinner sometime and i told him that i don’t eat. but also anytime i like a guy and they start showing interest i’m out because i have fucked up commitment issues thanks to my parents 78. Sex on first date: never had the chance but i’m sure i would if the guy was hot enough 79. Broken someone’s heart: doubt it 80. Had your heart broken: nay 81. Been arrested: nah but i got in trouble for shoplifting once 82. Cried when someone died: literally anytime someone dies  83. Fallen for a friend: yes

DO YOU BELIEVE IN… 84. Yourself: usually 85. Miracles: sure 86. Love at first sight: don’t think so 87. Santa Claus: no 88. Kiss on the first date: sure? 89. Angels: eh, maybe

OTHER… 90. Current best friend’s name: my sister tessa is my #1 my #2 is my friend samantha, but she’s away at school most of the year :( 91. Eye color: green 92. Favorite movie: pans labyrinth or according to greta (just the ones that come to my mind) 

Oh lord 25 is so many people to tag but - 

@hazzardstyles @theroyalharry @2-ghosts @harryalmitey @matilda-breeze @onabedofhomemademash @niallsfish @larry-feels-like-home @harrysass @harryslittlepumpkin @runawayhaz @louiskingg @hazzaverse @larry-nomatterwhat @smallstyles @niamhyfr @fromtomlinson @1989rosesxx @donckasters @favoriteirishmember @obey-the-tommo-sass @littlemonstrosities @tomlintercourse @harryqstyles @infinitelyinlovewithfiveboys

And also anyone else that wants to do this, you can say I tagged you!

[troubledthoughtsfromahappywriter]

Chapter 2:A night like this

Tazz got out of his car and walked with purpose towards Izzy's front door. When he reached it he knocked three times. The door was opened immediately after the third knock by a confused-looking older woman. She squinted at the boy standing on her porch.

"Oh, it's you," she said dryly. He smiled cordially despite the cool greeting.

"Hi, Mrs. Martinez. Can I speak to Izzy?" He tried to look past her into the doorway, but he didn’t see the girl in question. Her mom turned around and began to yell up the stairs.

"Isabella, your-” she turned and looked him over, “-your friend is here!" She did not invite him in. Mrs. Martinez let the screen door close just as a cat crawled out from behind her legs, trying to escape. She scooped the animal up and disappeared into a back room, leaving Tazz on the porch. Just as he was about to let himself in, Izzy appeared on the steps. She seemed pleased, and almost relieved, to see him.

"Hey, T." Tazz offered her a peace sign as she came down the rest of the stairs. "What's up?" Tazz opened the door for her, gesturing outside.

"Why don’t you come out? I just want to talk for a bit."

Izzy shrugged and skipped over to poke her head through the doorway where her mother had disappeared. "Mom, I’m going out!" She called.

"Don't be too long, there's school tomorrow," was her only reply. Tazz could hear the volume on the TV being turned up. Izzy nodded at him and she slipped outside, pulling the main door shut behind her. As soon as they sat on the porch stoop, Izzy pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

"What's up?" she asked again after a drag. Tazz stared off into the distance, trying to find his words.

"How’s your relationship with Ethan?" He asked nervously. Izzy took another long drag, making a spectacle of blowing smoke at him.

"We're doing fine. I love him and he loves me” Izzy said with a smile. She started thoughtfully ashing her cigarette on the lawn, evidently detached from the conversation. He decided to cut to the chase.

"I was talking to Ethan today and-"

"I'm thinking of shaving my hair." Izzy had interrupted him. Tazz was taken aback.

"Like, all the way?" She laughed.

"Maybe, or halfway. You know, like everybody likes to do it now" He looked at her, incredulous.  

"Quit smoking Iz, or you’ll come up with more stupid ideas like that."

"I didn't smoke. I just think I'd look..." she trailed off and shut the door.

---

"Come on, dad, clean yourself up," Donnie barked, slamming the door shut and staring down the shell that was once his father. The man yawned, rolling himself to a sitting position on the couch. His beard was untrimmed and had food crumbs from an indeterminable source tangled in it. A putrid stench was sewn into his clothes by days of neglecting to wash.

"Where have you been?" his dad asked absentmindedly. He didn’t wait for a response before standing up and shuffling into the kitchen. Donnie sighed and followed him. What's happening to you?, he thought miserably to himself. Donnie started to collect beer bottles from the counter, disgusted that the room was now far from the neat little kitchen his mother kept it as. He hoped his father would take the hint and start picking up after himself.

"How long have we been low on food?" his dad asked, opening the fridge and peering inside. Donnie slammed a bottle onto the counter.

"Dad, the doctors said that if she comes home she's gonna have a tough time." His sudden outburst did not phase the man. His father moved mechanically, leaving the fridge door open as he disappeared back into the living room. Donnie closed it too hard and heard more bottles falling from the rack inside..

"I’m going out!" he shouted, hearing only a grunt in reply.

---

Casey knocked on his stepsister’s door. "Dinner’s done," he called. When he didn’t get a response, he let himself in. Ashley was lounging on her bed, and had taken his advice to put clothes on. She looked up at him from her magazine.

"Did you make it?" Ashley asked. Casey snorted.

"Of course I made it. Your dad is always busy with my mom and you can't cook." She rolled her eyes at him.

"Is that all?" Casey slapped her foot playfully.

"Yes. Dinner's done and I'm leaving." Casey shot finger guns at her and walked out. Once he was gone, Ashley sat up, staring wistfully into the hall.

"I wanna fuck you," She whispered to herself.

---

"I think I would look better than I do now.” Izzy twirled a finger in her hair as she looked off into the distance, contemplative. Tazz, unsure of what to say, decided to reassure her.

"You look fine right now. Your hair is great, Izzy." He tried to remember why he was there, but Izzy had derailed the conversation completely.

"T, would you fuck me?" The question was so sudden it didn’t register at first. Tazz gave her a blank look.

"What?" She reached for his hand.

"Tazz, would you fuck me?" She looked him in the eyes, her own searching desperately for an answer etched onto his face.

"You’re Ethan's girl," Tazz said gently. Izzy let go. "I'm sorry, Iz, I couldn't do that him." He was being sincere. She gave him a once-over, an unreadable expression on her face. Then she stood up.

"I gotta head inside T, I have to finish a project." She opened the door and stepped inside without waiting for his response.

"Oh, uh, goodnight, Iz. See you tomorrow." Izzy had shut the door behind her before he’d finished. Confused, Tazz got up and left.

---

"Are you paying for this?" Casey asked from behind his menu. Donnie chuckled.

"I asked you to come, of course I'm paying." Casey looked around the Denny's for their server. The diner was slow this time of night. A young waitress finally appeared from a back room and came up to their table.

"Are you ready to order?" She asked the boys.

"I just want a coke, cheeseburger and fries." Donnie told her, and Casey chimed in with a, “make that two”. The waitress wrote it down in her notepad and walked away.

"I saw my mom today, Case," Donnie said softly.

"How is she doing?" Casey asked, giving him a reassuring smile.

"The doctor said that she's gotta stay in the hospital a couple days, but then she comes home." The waitress came to drop off their drinks and Casey began toying with his straw.

"How's your dad holding up?" Donnie clapped his hands on the table in frustration, shaking their glasses.

"Well, I came home today and he’s definitely had weed. Like, you could smell it everywhere. And there was a pile of beer bottles. He's drinking himself away. And the best part-" The sight of their waitress approaching with food interrupted him.

"Thank you," Casey said, pulling his plate towards him. He stuffed a few fries in his mouth before continuing.  

"Your dad misses your mom. I'd probably smoke and drink all I wanted if that were me." Donnie shook his head, clearly unhappy. He was not about to make excuses for his father’s behavior.

"On top of that, we're stacking up bills." To prove his point, Donnie unzipped his bag and pulled a stack of papers from it, slapping them onto the table.

"What the fuck is that?" Casey asked, his brow raised. Donnie opened his burger and slipped some fries inside.

"Bills that haven't been paid. I don't have the money to pay for all of these. Working at Tops, it doesn't pay that well." Casey took a bite of his burger, still eyeing the mound of bills. "These are from the last time she went to the hospital. Between the hospital stays, food, and everything I need for school, I’m totally broke. I'm going to have to live with my grandma. I can't get another job unless I drop out and I can't do that." Casey shook his head and placed his burger down before getting up.

"I'll be back. I gotta use the bathroom."

Donnie waved a hand dismissively. "Tell me if you find some money in there."

---

Izzy marched silently back to her room and closed the door. She flopped onto her bed and checked her phone for the time. It was 10:12; hours since the last text from her boyfriend. She opened Messenger to see if maybe she forgot to text him back. She hadn’t, and he sent nothing.

---

Donnie watched the waitress approach their table, anticipating his bill. Instead she stopped and looked at him, a hand on her hip.

"Where did your friend go?" She asked him.

"He's in the bathroom. Why?" Donnie answered, suspicious.

"That girl over there said to give him this." She slipped him a napkin before collecting their dishes and walking off with no further explanation. Donnie picked it up and saw that there was a note scribbled on it. He read it to himself and shook his head, laughing. He looked around to catch a glimpse of the aforementioned note-giver, but there was nobody else in the diner.

---

Tazz sat in his car, this time outside of Munch N’ Brunch. His windows were foggy but it was clear he was waiting for someone. Another car pulled up, and a slender but beautiful female sashayed over to where Tazz was parked. He rolled his window down and stuck his head out.

"You have the money?" he asked. She smiled and kissed his cheek.

"I have the lips," she replied. Tazz retreated to take something out of the glove compartment. "Get in on the other side." She opened the door and slid beside him while Tazz unbuckled his seatbelt.

---

Casey returned a moment later and Donnie slid him the note.

"What is this, you finally coming out of the closet?" Casey joked. He picked it up to read it, with Donnie looking on curiously. His friend scowled.

"Who sent this over here?" Casey asked finally, reading the note over again.

“Some chick, apparently. I thought it was funny," Donnie added, pulling out his wallet.

"Bullshit," Casey murmured. He curiously stuffed the napkin into his bag instead of throwing it away. Donnie didn’t ask any questions about it.

"You want a ride home, Case?" he asked. Casey shrugged.

"Why not?".

Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit played on the radio as Donnie drove Casey home. As they passed by a Munch N’ Brunch, they caught sight of a familiar-looking car. Izzy laid in her bed, tears streaming down her cheeks. She told herself over and over that her boyfriend loved her. Thoughts of what he could be doing in that moment whizzed through her mind. Inside Tazz's car, things were heating up. The two hardly noticed as headlights illuminated the parking lot.  Back at Denny's, the waitress was still cleaning tables, trying to remember where she knew her last two customers from. The diner was eerily quiet as she worked.  Ashley was at home, going through Casey’s things and looking to steal from him. She found a nugget of weed and immediately snatched it for herself. She also found an advertisement for a home, with one location circled. Ashley thought little of it.