#i will be returning with more addison thoughts. soon

[prentiits]

the anon asking about addison and the way she compliments and talks about women really got me thinking again.

i think all of it really goes deep into her subconscious and her formative years. and this is a really really long rant i've wanted to talk about forever and ever so bear with me, but theres this one post i think about a LOT. it goes something like "if i knew that there were girls who weren't attracted to boobs i would have known i was gay a lot sooner" and i really do think this applies almost 100% to addison. with how she grew up, being anything outside of the very strict sense of Normal wasn't permitted and if you didn't fit into that "normal", you had to hide it deep down because What Will People Think??? you see evidence of this almost everywhere in addison's family: bizzy and susan keeping their love a secret for decades, bizzy and the captain hiding the imperfections in their marriage, the captain using addison to hide his affairs. and addison does the shameful-hiding too, for decades after she moves out of her parents house and starts her own life. (which makes me wonder at what point did she realize that all of it wasn't worth it, but that's a speculative post for another time)

also along the same lines, i don't think addison would have met/hung around an openly queer person until undergrad at the earliest. and by that time she was so rooted in her parents morals/worldview that she had hidden her (very real) attraction to women so deep down she didn't even recognize it for what it was. and branching off of that, maybe she echoed/imitated bizzy's closeted lesbian behavior without knowing it. something like there's only so much you can hide and addison was always perceptive even when she was young (because she had to be). and by time we meet addison in canon, she's already perfected the plausible deniability of how people will see her comments toward women (only when someone else brings it up first, or masking the comments under intense, hard-to-misinterpret sarcasm re: The Threesome Comment).

[radioactive-coffee01]

Date Night Prompt

woo boy I have not wrote for fun since middle school. Also if this is bad, I blame it on being sick rn. (constructive criticism welcome)

prompt credit @sqweegee

GN reader x Spamton | 1,125 words

Second person POV

~~

You paused to look at the time on your phone, 9:35pm it read. You knew you shouldn’t be on your phone while driving but Cyber City was notorious for traffic jams, meaning you didn’t typically miss much. Setting your phone down, you took a few moments to listen to the city’s ambience, ‘A few more turns and I’ll be there’ you thought to no one in particular. You couldn’t help the nervousness that ate at you during the pause. Your friends, who were in fact well-known tricksters, had decided to set you up on a blind date. In the beginning you were completely against the idea, I mean you were plenty happy as is?! And who were these pranksters to think you’d let them encroach on your dating life?? But eventually the little brats had worked the magic and here you were… all dolled up on your way to pick up whatever suitor they had decided to pair you with. 

The click of the light pulled you back to reality as you moved forward to your destination. It was only maybe another 5 minutes before you arrived at your location. You parked your car before scanning your surroundings. The restaurant's sign read “The Red Rose,” it wasn’t the most fancy of restaurants in Cyber City’s downtown area, but it was one you were fairly acquainted with, thanks to having to pick up your friends after a few too many. You chuckled under your breath recalling the last time you were here and decided to make your way inside. 

Behind the check-in stand was a young pink addison, her name tag reading “Taffy.”

“Hiya! Can I get your reservation name?” she started, flashing you a cheerful grin.

You returned her smile and gave her your friend’s name. “It should be under Matrix M. I believe?”

You watched as the addison’s demeanor changed for just a split second before going back to a now nervous grin, “Alright! Just this way,” she motioned for you to follow her as she walked past the tables on the other side of the barrier. 

Soon you arrived towards the back of the restaurant. Sitting at the table where it seemed that Taffy was heading was a shorter, marionette-like addison. He was visibly shaking, no no, he might as well be vibrating at this point, and not to mention how disheveled he was- you’ve got to be kidding me, you thought to yourself, Matrix is so dead when I see him next. None the less you followed Taffy over and took your seat across from the addison. He looked you over while waiting for the pink addison to leave. And- “ THANK [SWEEPSTAKES] I THOUGHT YOUU WERE ANOTHER [ book of 100 silly pranks only 3.99$ GET NOW] “

The sudden loud noise had you feeling like you just stepped on a trip wire as you almost put your hands up to cover your ears.

 “N-no, not this time I don’t think-” you nervously smiled at him.

“WELL I’M [BUY HAPPY SCRUBS NOW]” his jaw snapping shut as soon as the ad-bite ended, 

“W-well are you ready to get some [good eats here]?” he started again, quieter this time. 

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea,” you responded, glad that seeing you flinch at his ..choiceful volume had paused his yelling before the staff decided to boot you both for disturbing the customers.

You take a moment to glance over the menu as he flags down a waiter that had just finished helping their table. He orders the day’s special and you pick your preferred meal. The waiter writes everything down and heads off in the direction of the kitchen. 

“So umm what do you do for a living.?” you make a poor attempt at small talk,

His eyes light up as he begins, “Well Sweets! I’m a [100% Authenticity Guaranteed] Salesman! I used to be the [BIGGEST Shot!] around this whole place until [Hyperlink Blocked]!” you swear you see his glasses lose color on that last part but he continues before you can ask, “I had great ideas! And even [ BIGGER & BETTER ] dreams!! I sold BIG cars and small cars! Even my prized [CUNGADERO™] Model!!”

“Now I just own a small storefront…” He mumbles under his breath,

The waiter arrives with both of your meals before you get to say more so you both decide to eat. You are about to take your first bite when you look up in time to concernedly watch him unhinge his jaw and shovel a good half of the plate into his mouth, not even chewing the food.

He notices you watching and sets the plate down “Ahem, S-sorry [love note], It’s been a quick [minutes! seconds! Hours!] since I’ve had anything this good! I mean.. Wow! This place sure is [Sal’s Nicecream 1.50$]” He laughs nervously and you chide yourself for finding it endearing,

“Well I’m glad you enjoy it,” you smile reassuringly before going back to your own meal.

The rest of the time is spent calmly, the two of you taking turns passing jokes and stories back and forth in between bites of your food. You tell him about your friends and he tells you (probably over-glorified) stories about his run-ins with other shopkeeps. You’re surprised at how easily the conversations have become and before you know it the waiter comes back to bring you both your bill.

“OH-oh, I didn’t realize it was [cash out] time already!” He says as you watch him frantically search himself for his money. 

“Don’t worry about it,” you state, handing the waiter your card as you start to wonder if this was all some ploy just to get free food and if he’s gonna ditch as soon as everything is paid, but to your pleasant surprise, he insists that you at least allow him to walk you to your car in return. I mean it’s the least he can do isn’t it? 

The two of you part your ways, part of you feels like he’s lying when he says he has a car just parked further down the street, but you won’t push the subject. As you get in the car you hear your phone ping and you see a text from Nattie, the one who had helped Matrix set up your date:

Nat: “ So how long did it take you to walk out lmao 😜🤣 “

You scoff at her childishness, and decide to turn the tables on her.

Y/N: “ You’ll have to let Matrix know I said thank you, I had a very romantic evening ”

You set your phone on the passenger's seat and smile to yourself at the three pings that flood in seemingly right after the other. Time to head home…

~~

[midnightrings]

So I’ve been thinking a lot about the scene between Hawk and Tim in the latest episode – especially about Hawk’s intentions.

I’ve already seen people discuss whether Hawk’s gift to Tim was genuine or merely a tool to manipulate Tim into doing him a favor.

Tbh, I don’t think the cufflinks are a thoughtless present at all. Giving a person you care about something that once belonged to you is actually very intimate and meaningful. It’s a nice gesture. And Hawk giving Tim something with his initials on is also very much in character lmao (and quite bold). But it was definitely not a planned gift. The cufflinks weren’t even inside the box yet, so Hawk had not thought about giving them to Tim prior  – which doesn’t mean that the gift itself is bad, just that Hawk is an ass.

I think that the main reason Hawk gave Tim the cufflinks, and was overall sweeter and more considerate than usual, was because he knew this might be one of their last nights together. He knew he would have to end things with Tim – because of the interrogation and upcoming polygraph test, but also because he has just learned that Miss Addison was the one who has reported him, all because of the book Tim had given him. On top of that, Hawk has clearly never planned for this to go on for too long, or to build too deep of a connection. So he probably knew at this point that things had to come to an end, and wanted to make the night memorable for both of them.

What I feel like is not completely clear, is whether Hawk had always planned on giving Tim that envelope for Schine. Hawk has only learned about the meeting in New York that evening, and there had also been plenty of time to hand Tim the envelope since he had collected the evidence. Maybe he was hesitant, because this could very easily put Tim in danger, and was simply waiting for the right moment.

But I also feel that handing Tim the envelope and planning to end things with him were going hand in hand here. It is a dangerous thing for Tim to do, and if they continue seeing one another, the envelope could be traced back to Hawk.

The cufflinks fit both of his motives in this scene: making Tim happy, but also giving him something so he can ask him for a favor in return. Tim would’ve probably agreed to do that favor for him either way – the cufflinks were unnecessary. Interestingly, I think it is because of his present that Tim’s mood changes, as he’s probably wondering whether Hawk had ulterior motives all along.

Honestly, I think that the cufflinks were a genuine gift. They were happy in that moment and Hawk knew that Tim would have to leave soon, for maybe the last time, so he decided to give him a present. He’s probably always intended to hand that envelope to Tim, with or without cufflinks. Maybe there were underlying intentions when he thought of the gift, but I don’t think those were his main motives.

But even if Hawk’s intentions were genuine, it definitely didn’t look like that to Tim. He was crying of happiness one moment, and after Hawk asked for a favor, that happiness is completely gone. He’s asking Hawk if he will see him again, not when, so he probably realized that something was off.

I feel like Hawk genuinely wanted this to be a sweet, memorable night for them. But because he always has some ulterior motives and is incapable of being honest and open, he still ended up hurting Tim, and his actions will most likely have consequences.

[missin-you-already]

Deaths I think Alice feels responsible for in some capacity AKA the newest edition of my Resi ramblings. Part one of six because of length <3

Resident Evil: I like to think when Alice told Dr. J. Isaacs at the end of Apocalypse that she remembered everything, she was referring to the Hive/Raccoon City Incidents and not everything. I don't think Alice ever fully regained her memories. Partially because she's a clone and many of them were falsified to begin with. The real ones occasionally came to her in small fragments. The Hive was her earliest solid memory.

Aside from Spence, the version of her that existed before the nerve gas did not really know anybody down in the Hive with her. She knew of people like Rain, Kap, J.D., and One, but did not interact with them outside of in passing. A lot of the people she knew after and started caring for, she didn't get to know for very long at all. When Sanitation arrived, they had about three hours to get their job done before the exits sealed, but god, it did not feel that way to Alice.

It was all frustrating. She woke up unable to remember a thing but quickly discovered she did not have an average life. Her dresser had a drawer full of automatic weapons. A load of commandos smashed through her windows and took her through the looking glass. Some faces felt vaguely familiar. Parts of the labs felt vaguely familiar, but important information was not returning to her fast enough. It wasn't her fault, yet it felt that way when it was making the situation worse. She was slowly starting to realize that she was responsible for all of this in some way. At the end, she dropped to the floor of the mansion, the realization that she "failed everybody" coming down on her full force. There was still no time to break down, but was so hard not to. They were all dead.

Lisa Addison and all the other employees who worked in the Hive: Alice wished she was more careful. In The Final Chapter, was revealed that the whole apocalypse was planned. I like to think that like Alice, Spence was a clone. Spreading the T-virus was programmed into him. Trying to steal it would have happened soon regardless, but overhearing Alice and Lisa activated something in his brain. He threw a vial of it onto the floor because he had to spread it dumping hazardous material on the floor would activate Red Queen's defenses, taking the attention off his theft.

Alice wished she was more careful. It was stupid to meet Lisa so close to the Looking Glass House. She couldn't even remember why she chose to do so, but she remembered planning to do good with her. In another universe, things went according to plan and it was the start of Umbrella's end. Instead, it was the start of the world's end.

Matt was crying over his sister's corpse and Alice realized she was her mole. All the pieces weren't there yet, but she knew she fucked up somehow. She let that settle in her mind as they headed back to Red Queen's chamber. When Kaplan and Rain mentioned that the exits would seal, that was when Alice started feeling responsible for taking the lead and getting them all out, hoping that following her instincts would be enough.

It was not.

James "One" Shade, Olga Danilova/Medic, Alfonso Warner, and Vance Drew: Kaplan also definitely felt responsible for this before he died. Alice and Spence shouting at him to stop the lasers didn't help. That only made him fumble more. Maybe if they hadn't pressured Kaplan, he could have kept a cool enough head to save a few of his teammates. You can't exactly blame them for being like, "Holy shit! They're getting cut apart in there!! Do something!!!" But y'know.

Alice's main thought, though, was if she hadn't indirectly helped cause the Hive Incident, Sanitation wouldn't have ever been sent there and put in that position. What she witnessed through that small window was seared into her brain.

J.D. Salinas: Alice was not around to witness J.D.'s death, but she found out that they didn't need to wait for him after rejoining the others. Again, I think Kaplan felt responsible. He was struggling to input the code fast enough. Rain felt responsible. Realistically, she would have never been able to pull J.D. out herself, but what if she could? What if she grabbed him quicker? What if his hand hadn't slipped out of hers? That was her best friend, goddammit...

Alice felt partially responsible in the same way she did for those who died in the laser corridor.

Spence Parks: He was already dead. Undead. Whatever. Alice put him down again, though. He left her, Rain, and Matt for dead. For money. It was all for money. She could feel some attraction coming back to her, but it all left the instant he grabbed that gun to point it at her. Alice glared down the barrel and threw down his jacket when he left, angry at both him and herself. If you asked her, Alice would tell you, yeah, she cut off Spence's head. Yeah, he deserved it. No, it wasn't really necessary. It didn't make things right. Nothing could. She could have pulled her leg away and left his zombie on the platform, but it was the only revenge she could take. For her. For all the others down there with her.

Chad Kaplan: Kaplan sorta had two deaths. There was his fall off the pipes. He told the others to leave him and they thought he turned his revolver on himself. The guilt hit her when they turned away. She tried to swallow it down.

Then, there was his real death. He was ripped off the train. It was quick.

He was given the antivirus. He lasted on his own, rescued them, made it so close to the exit... and he died. If Alice had landed a few shots on the licker through the train's walls, that wouldn't have been enough to stop it. She couldn't have saved him. But if the Hive never happened, he would still be alive.

Rain Ocampo: In a deleted scene in Retribution, Alice shot a zombified Rain clone. Upon getting a good look at her, her demeanor quickly changed. When Ada questioned what's wrong, Alice said that she knew Rain and that she was dead. Ada asked if she's sure and although Matt shot Rain in Resident Evil, Alice's answer was that she's positive because she killed Rain. I've seen it argued that it's a flub/retcon/whatever, but I don't think so.

Alice tried to stay optimistic about curing Rain's condition, but Rain started worsening way faster after J.D. bit her in the tunnels. Maybe if Alice had been able to remember the antivirus sooner, if she had grabbed that damn gun before Spence shot the lock, she could have given Rain the dose she needed before she crossed the point of no return.

When Alice mistakenly thought Rain passed and leveled her gun at her forehead, it was one of the hardest times she had had pulling a trigger. And she never went through with it herself. It was a rollercoaster, thinking she was dead, finding out she wasn't, then turning around a few minutes later and finding her trying to take a chunk out of Matt. Alice would never forget the sight of her slumped on the floor with a hole in her forehead. It was another round of shitty déjà vu for her in Retribution seeing that clone in a similar position. She put the bullet in Rain that time, though. It got Alice's breathing all shaky, but she was supposed to have mastered hardening herself by then. Her head was spinning for a moment there.

It really fucking hurt again for a moment there.

Matt tried to tell her that it was Umbrella's fault. Not hers. While she could rightfully place blame on the corporation, she'd never stop placing some of it on herself too. Nobody is harder on Alice than Alice <3

[fernegirl]

never coming home | prologue.

↳ summary:

Summoning ghosts, fistfights, shredding on guitar, murders, running from the law, cheap motel rooms, and seeing beyond the veil of the afterlife: what would you do to keep those you love the most? For Sal Fisher, the answer is simple—he'll do whatever it takes, till the very end of the line.

A rewrite of Sally Face's ending beginning at ep. 4, in which some things are different and others are not. Sally and his friends face down the Devourers of God while struggling to hold onto their minds—and one another—despite the odds. This fic reimagines the story of SF while doing its best to remain true to the canon material in terms of lore, tonality, and plausibility.

↳ read it on ao3 here [x]

↳ parings: sally/ashley/larry, todd/neil · genre: canon-divergence/fix-it 

↳ warnings: 18+ ONLY, minors DNI + just as dark as canon, same triggers apply

series masterlist [tba] | next chapter [tba]

The longer she stands outside, her breath forming small clouds in front of her face and the rain creeping beneath the collar of her jacket, the more Ash reconsiders whether coming to this party was a good idea. Sure, at the time that she—well, her roommate—had been invited, it seemed fine. Now though…not so much. She knew it would be big, all of the ragers in the warehouse district are. The promise of live underground music, cheap beer, and substances that she couldn’t spell brings in all sorts of people. 

“Are you sure about this?” She asks, glancing over at Tara who is far more absorbed in her cellphone than the surroundings. 

She glances over at her and nods reassuringly, her blonde bangs bobbing with her head. “‘Course I am. Have I ever steered you wrong?” 

Ash bites back the quick response of ‘yes, absolutely’ but she knows nothing good will come of it. Tara’s sweet. Normal. A  regular girl dipping her toes into a world like this in the name of some boy she’s talking to and she’s bringing Ash along with her. Not that she really minds. The girl is trying. She’s always done her best to connect with her, despite their contrasting interests. Plus, she’d mentioned this being a ‘roomie send off’’ or something like that. A final epic excursion for the two of them before Ash finishes packing her worldly possessions and leaves campus. 

A viking funeral, college-girl-style. 

The gesture had been thoughtful enough to her Ash this far, out this late. Even though now it feels less worth it by the minute. 

“Come on. Didn’t I tell you about the rumors?” 

Tara had. “You did. This is some kind of underground show or something?”

Tara bobs her head again, reminding Ash of a chickadee, golden and fluffy. “Yep. No idea if it’s true or not, but Jared says heard that some band is friends with the guys that are hosting–they might make a special appearance or something.” 

“Any idea who it is?” 

“Sanitary Filth?” 

The name is awful. Perfect for the type of band that would play this venue. “Never heard of them.” 

“Me neither,” Tara shrugs. “Doors should open soon at least.” 

Her phone pings and she returns her attention to it, an excited smile on her face. It’s sweet and thankfully Jared seems to be a half decent guy. She’s happy for Tara, really. Or at the very least relieved that there’s something to distract her from Ash’s departure. 

Really, she’d give anything for the same. It’s not that she’s explicitly not looking forward to her return to Nockfell. She is. It’s been far, far too long since she saw her friends, her family. The familiar trees, cracked streets, and the distinct crooked shape of the Addison Apartments building. 

She misses it. She swears she does. 

Which doesn’t explain why every time she looks at her calendar, at the date next week, circled in red for her homecoming, a pit opens in her stomach. 

Not that she’s looking to self-analyze. No thank you. She’d rather do anything else. 

Which is exactly why she’s here, with Tara, in the pouring-ass rain at nearly midnight, waiting to get into what will no doubt be an underwhelming rock show. 

“This has got to be the stupidest thing we’ve done in a while,” a dry, familiar voice says. 

Ash shivers, skin going somehow clammier. There’s no way that it’s who she thinks it is. 

She stretches up onto her tiptoes to peer over the shoulders of the group in front of her. 

“Really?” A deeper, slightly more nasal voice replies. “Of all the things, this? Come on, man.” 

“Pneumonia no laughing matter, dipshit.” 

“Whatever you say. ’s totally worth it in my book.” 

She knows. In her heart of heart’s she already knows. To see it with her eyes is just a formality at this point because those voices are emblazoned in her memory, resurfacing in her sweetest dreams and most bone-chilling nightmares. 

The crowd shifts and she catches sight of them, her heart stuttering to what feels like a standstill. 

A tall man with long dark hair stands beside a shorter man with electric blue hair.  Fucking hell. They turn, looking at one another as they break into laughter. They’re different from the last time she saw either of them. Both are taller. Larry’s put on muscle and a bit of facial hair. She’s never seen Sally with his hair down before. His mask is the same. Still white except for the pink patched piece. It looks like there’s eyeliner smudged on it, no doubt for the show.

As if it could be anyone but the two of them. She shrinks down, slouching to ensure the crowd covers her, while her mind races to figure out why the actual fuck they’re here. 

Oh. Of course.

“Tara,” she swallows hard, and does her best to keep the shakes out of her voice. 

Tara looks up from her phone, her smile bleached bright under the streetlamp. “Any chance you got the name of the band wrong? Could it have been Sanity's Fall?” 

Her eyes light up wide with recognition. “Yes, that’s exactly what it was, how did you figure that out?” 

“Lucky guess.” 

She smiles again, and is distracted once more in moments. Not that it bothers Ashley. No, she’s grateful that she’s invisible to her soon-to-be-former roommate at this moment. Means that Tara doesn’t notice as she cranes her neck to catch another look ahead.

They don’t notice her. Why would they? The sidewalk is packed. Then again, she doubts that makes any impression on either of them. They’re laughing at a grainy picture that Larry is showing Sally on his phone, their shoulders pressed against one another. They seem…happy. Content. At least more so than the last time she’d seen them. 

Maybe this is why she doesn’t want to go back. Because even in the final days she’d been there, she could feel this…distance. A separation that she couldn’t pretend was either of their fault. 

No. It was her. She couldn’t make the leap of faith into the belief in the supernatural the way that they did. Couldn’t brush off the soul-deep terror that took root in her after she fell into that pile of bones below the apartment building. 

It wasn’t them. The boys were the same as ever. Or maybe they’d grown up. And she hadn’t grown with them, but rather away. 

Still. It’s not as though she doesn’t want to see them. Not as though she won’t go back. She will. They’ll accept her, that much she’s certain of. With warm hugs and dumb stories. Rock music, bean bag chairs, scary movies, and too-salty popcorn. 

She’s just so fucking scared that this time…it won’t feel like home. That instead of a ghost from the past haunting them, it’ll be her. Just a faded version of who she was. 

Her hands shake as she wrestles her cell phone free from her jacket. Fingers numb from the frigid rain, she finds Sal in her contacts. 

To Sally: hey, srry. can’t come back this week, xtra covers at work :( :( 

He might not buy it. She’s told them about her crappy bartending job and what a pain in the ass it is. He won’t question it though, won’t push. 

She stares at the message for a moment before hitting send. She’ll go back. She just can’t tomorrow.  

An obnoxious alert plays somewhere in front of her–a snippet of an overly-loud guitar riff that sounds like it’s been recorded on a tin can. 

She waits, breath held. Nothing good can come from this–from waiting for her message to elicit a response. There is none. Sal and Larry’s conversation about some nonsense involving Gizmo never halts.

Logically, she knows that Sal’s too polite to take out his phone while talking. He’ll check it later, and tell her that it’s alright. That it is too bad, but he’s still so excited to see her the week after. She’ll text the same thing to Larry and get an almost identical response, except with more expletives. 

Like clockwork. No, the boys hadn’t changed. So why is there a pit forming in her chest? 

“Hey, Tara?” She waves her hand in front of her phone to catch her attention. “That boy of yours was going to give you a ride back to ours right?” 

Tara nods, her plastic jewelry clicking together. “Yep, Jared’s driving me.” “Cool, then I might bounce,” Ashley rubs the back of her head, trying to shove down the guilt rising up at Tara’s disappointed expression. “Migraine has been trying to set in all day and I think going to a rock show might actually kill me.” 

Of course, because she’s a good person, Tara’s disappointment morphs into genuine concern in moments, which somehow only makes Ash feel worse. She reaches out, smoothing her hair back from her face, a habit that often makes her wonder if Tara sees her more as a cat than a roommate. 

“Of course, that’d be the worst thing for it. Jared’s almost here. I can ask him to give you a ride ba–” 

“Don’t worry, I’m alright to drive,” she says firmly. “Just don’t want it to get worse.” 

She doesn’t look fully convinced, but doesn’t bother arguing. “Alright, but promise me you’ll text me and let me know you got back safe, ‘kay?” 

“Promise.” She bumps their knuckles in a weak fistbump that makes Tara giggle. “Catch you later tonight, I expect a full report.” 

“Sounds good.” 

She turns, hurrying away from Tara before she can second guess the decision. 

Distance will make it easier–will clear her the cobwebs in her head. Sure, a migraine had been an exaggeration, but she can feel a bit of an ache in her temples that will no doubt bloom into something irritating. 

When her bike comes into view at the far side of the parking lot, it’s accompanied by a rush of relief. She really needs to name it before she sees them, or else Larry will ask and then blurt out something stupid that will stick forever. Just like how Sally’s mask got nicknamed Samuel somehow. 

For a second, she contemplates going back. She could talk to them. It’s not like they’d be anything less than thrilled. They’d hug her like old times–squeezing her so tightly that her ribs would ache–they’d ask about her haircut and her motorcycle. It could be good. 

But she can’t. Not yet. Not tonight, when the perfect moment already seemed to exist in front of her. Without her. 

She pulls her helmet on, exhaling heavily. Nothing left to do but go. 

So she kickstarts her bike and peels out of the parking lot, a little too fast, but it’s not like there are any cars to hit this late.

The rumble of the engine and the rush of the frigid air around her does a good job of driving the thoughts from her mind. 

She’ll go home again. Just not today. 

a/n: thank you for reading the first chapter! i hope you enjoyed it! reblogs are much appreciated and please let me know if you'd like to be added to the taglist :3

[im-just-a-silly-lil-guy]

You want fan fic requests I'll give you a request.

Ian Wright x male reader: Ian is pining for the Intern (Reader) and they are a complete mess around him

"Hey Ian, I think the new intern likes you~"addison teases. Ian looks over and spit you staring admiring at them. You blushed and looked away as soon as your eyes locked. "N-no they probably just see me as a role model" Ian gets back to work trying to get their mind off you. Why would you like them? They weren't special, at least that's what they thought. "Of course" Addison tools her eyes and walks off to get back to work herself. Ian can't stop thinking about you. Why is it that you're so cute? It just wasn't fair. "Need help with anything?" You asked pulling them out of their thoughts. "O-oh, um...I'm fine" they blush and give you a weak smile. Ian couldn't believe they were so awkward in front of you. It was embarrassing. "Of course, how dare I doubt you" you say teasingly just causing Ian to blush more. "You know I need a bit of help with programming..." You put in your best puppy eyes "could you help me after work" Ian just couldn't resist that look. "Y-yeah of course..." You smirked at your victory. "See you then" you winked and returned to your work, leaving Ian a flustered mess

[echantedtoon]

Camilla x Addison

A young male made his way down the road, humming to himself. His destination was just up ahead. A small restaurant by the name of Bill's Buffet and Drive Through. A couple other people were sitting around picnic tables and talking casually. But, he was looking for someone in particular. "Addison! Over here!," a female called out, waving at him. He smiled before walking over to the female deer shape shifter." Hi, Camilla. Sorry I'm late." He sat across from her. "I-It's alright. How's your friend? Sara, right?" She smiled nervously. "Sahara, and ya. She's doing good. The doctor said she'll be able to go home in a few days." "R-Right. To be honest, I wasn't sure if you were coming or not." "Why wouldn't I?" "I don't know. One too many people stood me up I guess." She was surprised when he reached over to gently grab her arm. "Hey. Don't feel bad. You're not the only one with dating problems. Besides...when I make a promise, I intend to keep it." She felt her cheeks flush a pink color, and a smile graced her face. "Uh....do you want me to get food?" "Ya. That'd be nice." He smiled before standing up and walking away." Be right back." -10 minutes later- He came back carrying a small tray with 2 cheeseburgers, a salad, and drinks. "I.....uh.....just thought since you were a deer....you wouldn't eat meat." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, it's fine. But.....why did you get two burgers then?'' She pointed at the tray. "Oh. Heh. I promised Sahara I'd sneak her in a cheeseburger tomorrow. Hospital food sucks." "Oh, yeah." They talked awhile about their lives and past failed romances. "........So, you and Autumn are cousins? AND you dated Tom, too?" "Uh, yeah. We're still friends though." "When did this happen?," He asked curiously. "About a month before you two dated for a week." She smiled at him. "Heh. Ya. I think he's over me. Lately, he's been hanging around Mackenzie." "I've noticed, too............Um...hey. Can I ask you a personal question?" "Um......sure, I guess." "..........What did happen between you and Gustav?" "Oh, him?.......Well, it turns out we're more friends than lovers," he said with a sigh. "Oh......sorry." "Nah. Don't be. We're still good friends.'' He suddenly looked up." Whoa. It's getting late. My mom's probably wondering where I am." "Here. I'll pay for the food," she offered, reaching into her purse and pulling out a pink wallet. "N-No. Don't do that. I'll pay." "But.......I'm kinda used to doing it." Addison scowled. The nerve of some people. Making her pay for the food and taking advantage of her like that. "Tell ya what......I'll pay for the food, and you leave the tip. Ok?" She hesitated before nodding."......Thanks." She gave a soft smile. "No problem." Ounce everything was paid for, they both stood up. Addison holding the extra cheeseburger for Sahara. "Do you want me to walk you home?," Addison offered. "Nah. A friend's picking me up." A honking noise to the left signaled the friend's arrival. "There she is. Do you want a ride home?" "No thanks. I don't live far from here. But, thanks for offering." "No problem." She reached down to hug him, but stopped when he flinched back."........Sorry." "No. It's fine........I'm just not used to others touching me..........but I can make an acception this time." He leaned forward and slowly gave her a hug, which she happily returned. He blushed at the scent of rose perfume. A couple honks though interrupted them. Camilla was the first to pull away. "I guess I'd better go." "Y-Yeah. I better get going, too." He blushed and pulled his scarf up to cover his red cheeks." B-Bye, Camilla. See ya later." "Bye, Addi. I hope your friend gets better soon,"she said slowly walking away. "Thanks. I hope so, too." He watched silently as she climbed into the car. She waved from the window as it drove by, and he happily waved back. He watched the car until it disappeared from sight before beginning his way home.

[enchantedflameandflower]

Glimmer 10/? Billy Butcher fic

pairing: Billy Butcher/OFC

rating: mature

summary: Sometimes even a wavering light in the darkness can be enough to bring you through. How will Billy Butcher cope with falling in love with a supe he can't walk away from?

chapter: 10/?

Addison spent the next few months with her phone in her hand at all times. She nearly cried out with relief when Butcher called her a week after he had been there with Ryan. He came by every once in awhile after that. They rarely did more than sit on her balcony in the dark, but it felt truly cathartic. For both of them, she thought. Didn’t it mean more anyway when you could sit in quiet with another person? Addison felt a kind of peace when he was there that she had never found before in her life, and she thought maybe she gave the same to him. 

Once, he asked her if she had joined Mallory’s team keeping tabs on supes across the eastern seaboard. Addison turned to him, quirking her lips. “Well, I’m not allowed to tell you that,” she teased. “Unless of course you join the team.” He smirked, and flashed her a real smile (she noted his dimple) but didn’t reply.

Addison didn’t know what Billy was up to and she didn’t push him for information. Her working on Mallory’s team was really a given though, considering it was basically what she had unofficially been doing already.

It was one of those jobs now that found her driving across the bridge headed toward Queens with MM. Usually she worked alone, but Mallory wanted a pair on this one. They were heading across to check on what seemed to be a troubled supe teen after a string of incidences in the area, petty theft and general unruliness.

“Have you seen Butcher lately?” MM asked as soon as they were on their way. Addison shifted in her seat, glancing over at him as he drove. She wouldn’t say she knew him well, but well enough. 

“Here and there...” she shrugged. “You know Billy.”

“Yeah I do. But I’m starting to wonder if you might know him better.”

She didn’t have to look at him to know he was teasing her. 

“Have you? Seen him?” she returned the question. 

“Yep.”

Addison fidgeted in her seat, trying not to take the bait but she never could help herself. 

“And?” she sighed, glancing at MM.

“He asked about you.”

“Why would he ask about me. He can see me whenever he wants.”

MM shrugged. “I think he likes to know what you’re up to. Without seeming like he wants to know what you’re up to.”

“Well that’s no mystery,” Addison laughed. “I work and sleep and drink.”

She could feel MM looking at her out of the corner of his eye but she didn’t take the bait this time. Did Billy really ask after her? MM had no reason to make it up. She smiled just a little to herself. Billy was coming to be more important to her than she’d let anyone else be in her adult life, just by being there, as he really had been now for years.  

Addison checked her map app, as they passed through Brooklyn, reading off directions to MM and soon they pulled up to the address they had been given in Ozone Park. It was a small, old house, the strip of grass out front overgrown, and the paint on the siding was peeling. They parked on the street and went to knock on the door. 

A young woman with her dark hair pulled up in a messy bun answered, she couldn’t have been much more than 30, with a laundry basket under her arm and dark circles under her eyes. 

“We’re sorry to bother you miss,” MM started. “We’re looking for Xander Griffin, does he live here?”

Addison could not miss the way her eyes went hard at the mention of the name. 

“Why? He in trouble?”

“No. We just want to talk, see if there’s anything we can do to help.”

The woman looked from MM to Addison and back again, clearly suspicious, and Addison felt her nerves go on edge. 

“Well he’s not here.” She shifted the weight of the laundry basket under her arm and straightened her back, defensive, but still she didn’t tell them to leave. 

“Is he expected back soon?” Addison asked, softening her voice. “Or do you know where else we might find him? It’s very important we speak to him.” 

The woman paused for a moment. “I don’t know. Try Highland, maybe. I don’t know if he’s gonna want to talk though.”

MM glanced at Addison, then back to the woman. “Well thank you for your time, miss,” he nodded at her. “We appreciate it.”

They turned to leave and didn’t see her reach for her cell phone before they even left the stoop. 

“I have a bad feeling,” Addison murmured as they climbed in the car. “Was that his mother? She didn’t look very old. And she couldn’t seem to decide whether she wanted to help us or not.”

MM started the car. “If it’s his mother she’s torn between wanting to protect him and wanting to beat him for causing trouble.”

When they got to the park it was dusk. The sky was still bright and pink on the horizon but the light was fading. The streetlights turned on as she stepped out on the sidewalk. It was warm and there were kids still playing on the playground a ways off. 

Addison sighed as MM stopped next to her. It was a big park, but what else could they do? She had to at least try. 

She scanned the park in front of her and MM looked to her. 

“Let’s head that way, further away from the playground and I’ll take a listen.”

They walked into a copse of trees and Addison closed her eyes, reaching out for anything that might lead them to what they were looking for. A heavy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach but she pushed it away, focusing on listening. It was just one troubled teen. Nothing her and MM couldn’t handle. 

There. She heard two quieter voices. Power. Motherfuckers. Trouble.  

“That way,” she nodded to the south.

They walked across the park until they got to the basketball courts. It was darker now, with the trees around them blocking more of the light from the setting sun. One lamplight stood at the corner of the court, casting a circle of yellow. 

Then across the way two people came out of the darkness from the opposite side of the court. It was hard to see but she was sure one of them was Xander. It was clear from the ids they’d got on him that he had superpowers and they were hoping they could help and influence him before anything went totally off the rails. 

“Hey,” Addison spoke up, careful not to move to close. “We’re looking for Xander Griffin, do you know him?”

“Why? Who are you?” 

“We work with supes. We just want to talk and help. See if he needs anything or if we can help in any way.”

“Are you supes?”

“I am, yes,” Addison answered. She could feel MM tensing next to her. They both took a step closer and a defensive stance, almost in unison. 

“Prove it.”

Addison took a breath. “We just want to talk -“

She heard the footsteps running up behind them too late, not quick enough to fully prepare. Still, she spun around and that was enough to alert MM to do the same. Three young men were rushing them from behind. 

The first came at Addison and she ducked, just barely missing a fist to the face. She swung back, but he grabbed her arm, so she spun and kicked him in the stomach. He stumbled back but recovered quickly. A knife appeared in his hand from nowhere and she had to twist to get away. He was quick though and the knife slashed across her upper arm. She gasped but ignored it, grabbing his wrist and jerking it hard enough to snap. He cried out and was taken off guard enough for her to kick him across the face, knocking him unconscious when he hit the cement.

She turned quickly to find MM taking out another one, but the flash of a gun from the teenager on the other side of the path caught her eye. Fuck. She sprinted and jumped, tackling MM to the ground. Immediately she could feel the bullet tearing into her side. MM rolled her underneath him and came up again with his own gun, but whoever had fired was long gone.

It felt like fire was ripping her apart, fuck. She groaned, pressing her hand to the wound, dismayed to find her shirt already wet with blood. 

MM stood then, determination rolling off him like waves of thunder and she remembered there were still the first two. She forced herself to come up on her knees but as soon as she did the most piercing, horrible noise rent the air. She cried out as it split her head but she found the energy from within to somehow tone it down to something bearable. It was the same energy she used for her super-hearing but it took much more effort and she was already weak. 

MM was on the ground 10 yards away, hunched over in utter pain from the sound. She had to stop it. There was no way she could keep fighting alone with her arm sliced open and a bullet in her side. “Fuck,” she growled, but no one heard her. 

Pulling strength from somewhere deep inside she managed to climb to her feet, but as soon as she did, she saw the supe emerging back out from the shadows, Xander, while the other stayed back. He must be making that sound, but now he had a fucking gun as well, pointed at MM who was completely paralyzed on the ground. 

In the next instant he shot at MM and she wasn’t close enough to take the bullet this time. Addison reacted without thinking, pulling her pistol from the holster on her thigh, she fired three quick shots. All three hit the teen in the chest and he fell back to the ground. Immediately the piercing noise stopped and she turned her hearing up to full again. The other teenager was running now, his footsteps already far away. 

“MM!” she called out, stumbling over to him. Fuck her side hurt. “Are you okay?”

He jumped up as soon as the sound stoped, shaking his head. “My ears are ringing, I can barely hear.” He shook his head again. The bullet missed. “I’m okay.”

As soon as she knew he was okay, she turned to the supe. What she saw hit her like a missile. He was a teenager, but barely. He just looked like another child now, small and young and...a pool of red was growing below him and she felt her vision start to go out but she forced herself to hold on.

Fuck, fuck, fuck... She had to do something, anything. Without realizing, she was on her knees next to him, searching for each wound, pulling his jacket aside, trying to put pressure on the bullet holes, reaching to check his pulse, watching to see if he took a breath... fuck, fuck, fuck...

“Addison...” MM was behind her suddenly pulling on her shoulders. 

She cried out as red hot pain ripped through her body, but she jerked away from MM.. “No no no...”

“Addison stop,” he yelled at her. “He’s gone. You’re hurt.”

“No no no no...” This could not be. He was a child. A child... Everything went black. 

When she came to again, MM was laying her down in the back of the car. She blinked, trying to focus, but the pain was overwhelming. Everything felt cold. The air, her skin, her insides. She felt like she weighed 1000 pounds and belatedly wondered how MM had carried her all the way to the car. He caught her gaze as he set her down. 

“Thought I’d lost you there. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

That brought her out of her haze. “No! No hospital. No,” she shook a her head.

“Addison. You aren’t healing.”

She reached for her side, groaning as she moved, and slid her hand over where the bullet had hit her. Her shirt was slick with blood. There was no exit wound but it wasn’t too deep. 

“I think it’s because the bullet’s still in there. If you -“ she took a breath as a wave of dizziness came over her. “If you get the bullet out, I’ll be fine.”

All she could think about was the boy, ashen and still, his blood everywhere...

MM sighed. “Fine. We have a place in Bushwick. Not far. But if you pass out again, Addison, I swear...” he pointed his finger at her. 

“I’m...great...”

The drive was a blur. She clutched at her side until a throb in her arm reminded her she had a cut there too. She couldn’t help the groan of pain but then clenched her teeth trying to stifle it. It took every thing in her to keep from slipping into the void. Fuck what a mess. She’d never had a job go that bad, that fast before. 

It felt like forever but she knew it was probably only minutes and MM was stopping the car in front of a big brick building. He helped her out of the car and she gritted her teeth, trying not to cry out with pain. 

MM noticed though. He never seemed to miss anything. “Addison...” he practically growled. 

“It’s...fine.”

He huffed then scooped her up in his arms without a second thought. On the side of the building was a set of stairs leading to the basement and he rushed down them, pounding on the door when he got there. Frenchie opened it within moments, cursing in French when he saw them. “What happened?”

“We got ambushed. She saved my life. Can I use the table?”

“Oui, oui...” 

She’d only been there once but already this was much better than the last place. It was still dim and concrete and a bit bare, but better. 

Frenchie rushed over to clear the table as MM carried her over and Kimiko came out of another room with an old blanket to lay on top of it. 

“Get my medical bag,” MM said, laying her flat on the table. “I need to get the bullet out.”

Addison gasped but tried to keep breathing deep as he laid her down and started digging through his supplies. 

A boy. He was only a boy. Barely older than Ryan...

“You were able to block out that sound,” MM said as he cut her shirt away from the bullet wound. “Homelander can’t do that. Did you know you could?” 

Addison shook her head. “I don’t know.”

A boy. 

Suddenly she was freezing and she shivered. Her skin felt clammy and then she couldn’t catch her breath, her heart racing. Her vision swam. 

“Mon chèrie...” she heard Frenchie as if from a distance. “She is going into shock,” Frenchie looked to MM.

“Kimiko, get a couple pillows to put under her feet. Come help,” MM said, looking at Frenchie. “I need to get this out. Take her hand.”

Addison flinched. “No...it’s oka - ahhhh...”

Frenchie’s hand closed around hers and she almost whimpered with relief, it was warm and solid and she was able to anchor herself to the feeling.

“Squeeze tight, chèrie, focus on me...”

She looked at him just as the forceps went in and she cried out again, holding on as tight as she could to his hand. Fuck that hurt.  

But MM was good and he had the bullet out within seconds. She immediately felt the relief of having it out and knew her body would take over healing. She felt the jab of a needle as he started to stitch but it wasn’t nearly as bad as the bullet and she took a shaky breath. He only did one stitch before he stopped and looked closer. “You’re healing now. You’re good.”

“That’s it,” Frenchie said to her. “Just breathe.”

“Kimiko, hand me that gauze and the tape. Here hold this for a minute.” 

Kimiko pressed layers of gauze to the wound and Addison finally felt the pain starting to ebb just a little. Kimiko looked at her worried and she managed to nod. “It’s okay.”

A child. 

MM returned then and checked the bandage then placed a new layer of gauze over the stitch and taped it down. They helped her shrug out of her button down so he could check the knife wound but it was healing now as well. MM cleaned it up and taped gauze over it just in case. 

“You need to rest Addison, are you okay here for a few minutes? Then we can move you to a bed. Kimiko can help you clean up.”

Addison nodded but reached out to grab MM’s arm before he walked away. “Don’t call Billy, okay? I’m okay. It’s okay. 

MM shared a look with Frenchie but she had already closed her eyes again and she was too focused on her body to overhear MM outside a few minutes later. 

“Butcher. Your girl needs you.”

Chapter 11

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

The Girl He Left Behind [Epilogue]

Fandom: American Actor, RPF, Elvis Presley, Elvis Movie 2022

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Original Female Character

Characters: Elvis Presley, Addison Goodwin, Gladys Presley, Vernon Presley, Minnie May ‘Dodger’ Presley, Red West, Sonny West, Gene Smith, Billy Smith, Original Female Characters, Colonel Tom Parker, Billy Smith, Marci Cunningham, Steve Cunningham, Jerry Schilling, Mary Jenkins, Alan Fortas, Marty Lacker, Original Male Characters, Mona Goodwin, Joe Goodwin

Word Count: 2952 // Rating: Mature

Summary: When Elvis returns home to Graceland from the Army he’s followed by the headlines ‘The Girl He Left Behind’ but what the media don’t know is that Priscilla wasn’t the first. No, that title belongs to someone Elvis will never forget.

Tags/ Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Graceland, Poverty, Friends to Lovers, 1950s Elvis, Bad Parenting, Surprise Surprise the Colonel Is a Colossal Prick, Parental Loss, Grief, Fun Fairs, Kissing, Vaginal Sex, Oral Sex, Movie Nights, Arguing, Tension, Denial of Feelings, Age Gap Romance, Underage, Addison is 17 Elvis is 22, Guilt, Betrayal, Extortion, Blackmail, Jealous, Army Elvis, American Draft, US Army, Lying, Time Shift with Elvis moving to Memphis, Flashbacks, Caught

Notes: Fin! 

Thank you all so much for reading! I have absolutely LOVED writing this series even if it did end on a sad note. Not to worry though I’ve already started thinking about writing the follow on series so keep your eyes peeled! Xx

LINK TO ALL PARTS // AO3 LINK // PINTEREST LINK

@girlblogger2002 @sania562 @caitlin1996 @literally-just-elvis-fics @notstefaniepresley @artlesson8892 @18lkpeters��

‘Damn Memphis heat,’ the Colonel mumbled exasperatedly as he blotted his brow with his hanky once more. Tom Diskin looked at him apologetically even though he had no control over the weather, it wasn’t even his fault they were driving with the windows rolled up that had been the Colonel’s choice, a way of avoiding the fans crowded by the gates. There were always fans gathered there and most of the time the Colonel did engage with them out of courtesy but today was not the day for niceties.   ‘It sure is busy,’ Tom said as he navigated the car through the poorly parked vans and cars that littered the driveway. ‘Just drop me out front and find somewhere to park it,’ the Colonel said gesturing for Tom to pull up at the base of the steps which he did obediently. As the Colonel opened the door a rush of warm air hit him once more making those beads of sweat he had batted away not moments before return in an instant. He climbed out, taking a minute to mop his brow once more before he started to head inside. Before he could however a voice shouted his name, ‘hey Parker when is he coming out?’   The Colonel’s gaze travelled to the group of men standing just to the side of the steps, various pieces of equipment strewn around their small group from where they had gotten tired of waiting. At their friend’s words they all stopped to look at him.   ‘Yeah, we’ve been here hours,’ another man said, flicking his cigarette onto the lawn angrily which was followed by a murmur of angry agreements. The Colonel straightened up, offering them his most understanding look. ‘Soon gentleman,’ he said and before they could ask any further questions he carried on walking towards the house. A flurry of whispers broke out behind him, his name interspersed in the conversation frequently, though he didn’t let it phase him. After all, he had just as many questions as they did. That was why he was here.     He could still hear them as he reached the front door but once he stepped inside and shut it behind him they were gone. In fact, every noise was gone for a moment so much so he thought he was alone for a second but as he turned around he realised there were people inside, yet everything was still. People were sitting in the living room talking quietly amongst themselves though they looked up as he entered, both parties exchanging that uneasy sympathetic smile that everyone did when no one knew the appropriate greeting. Mary was bustling quietly in and out of the kitchen, laying out food for whoever wanted it though from the looks of things most of it remained untouched. And then sitting there on the stairs in front of him was Vernon.   He was slumped against the banister as if he needed that support to keep him upright. His face was ruddy and tear-stained, his shirt damp from where they had rolled off his chin and landed on his chest. He didn’t move when the Colonel entered. He didn’t even say hello. All in all, he looked like a broken man. And the Colonel could tell why. As he walked into the house he could hear it, heart-wrenching guttural sobs and wails coming from down the hall – Gladys and Vernon’s bedroom.   ‘Vernon,’ the Colonel said softly hobbling towards the man with his cane. Vernon looked up at him, not a flicker of energy to be seen on his face. Nevertheless, the Colonel pressed on, ‘Vernon, there are some fine folks from the press out front.’ ‘Are there?’ Vernon said indifferently. ‘Yes, and I was thinking...a few words…pictures…then they will leave us alone,’ the Colonel said trying to sound as sympathetic as possible, but Vernon didn’t do anything but shake his head gesturing to where Elvis’ inconsolable sobs were coming from down the hall. ‘He won’t,’ he said shakily, ‘I can't get him to do anything. No one can. He won't sleep. He won't eat. I keep asking myself what would she do?’ ‘Yes, he trusted her like nobody else and now she’s gone what does he have?’ the Colonel murmured. Vernon looked up at him exasperatedly as if he was missing something. ‘I don’t mean Lovie,’ he said as if it was obvious. The Colonel’s eyes narrowed for a moment before the meaning of what the other man was saying set in. ‘Vernon,’ the Colonel said shaking his head. ‘You have to admit it Colonel. She’d know what to do. He could do with her-’ ‘We agreed,’ the Colonel said angrily, ‘you agreed-’ ‘I know what we agreed but my wife wasn’t dead then!’ Vernon snapped loud enough a couple of heads turned away. He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment before he looked back at the Colonel pleadingly.   ‘I know what I said…but that was months ago. Everything’s different now,’ Vernon said holding in the sob that was inside him from fear it would reignite another round of crying he simply didn’t have the energy for, ‘I’m just asking you to try Colonel. Just try.’ ‘And if I can’t get hold of her?’ the Colonel asked stiffly. ‘Then you better hope he’ll listen to you,’ Vernon said flatly standing up. The two men looked at each other for a moment before the Colonel nodded ever so slightly signalling he had conceded. As Vernon walked into the living room and sat himself down next to his mother the Colonel sighed and started to head up the stairs towards Elvis’ private office. If he was going to do this, he was going to do it out of the way of any prying ears.   He had almost been home free. Elvis had adjusted to army life relatively well and the tabloids had eaten it up much to the Colonel’s delight. Not to mention that by the time the Colonel’s ‘no contact’ ban had lifted Elvis had been so preoccupied with his mother he’d barely had time to think about anything else. He had asked questions of course as the Colonel had anticipated but he’d been so malleable with worry the Colonel had been able to navigate through them with more ease than was he expected.   Now he was going to ruin it all. He supposed he didn’t have to but he couldn’t be sure Vernon wouldn’t come poking around after him. If the situation was going to be dealt with he was going to be the one to deal with. Besides he doubted she’d even still be there even if he had picked a school that let her board until the end of the year.   He sat down at the desk and reached into his pocket for his address book flicking through it to find the number he needed to call. He found it scribbled on a page at the back and though there was no information listed with it should anyone have cause to look through his book he knew that was the number. With a sigh, he picked up the phone and dialled. It rang for a while which didn’t surprise him, the offices were sure to be deserted given the time of year something that made him smile. Oh well, he could always say he tried and got nowhere but just as he was going to hang up the line clicked on a sweet southern voice answering.   ‘St Bernadette’s Boarding School for Girls, Mary-Ann speaking how can I help?’ the girl on the other of the phone said. ‘Uh, hello,’ the Colonel said gruffly as if he was annoyed that she had the audacity she had to answer the phone, ‘I was wondering if you could help me. I’m trying to get a hold of one of your students.’ ‘Well sir most of our students will have returned home for the summer by now I don’t know how feasible that will be,’ Mary-Ann replied. ‘It’s important,’ he said. ‘Oh, well I can have a look at our records. Some of them do remain on campus but I won't promise anything,’ she said, ‘could I have a name?’ ‘Addison Goodwin,’ he said. ‘Just bear with me for two seconds,’ she said. He muttered an agreement but he could hear she was already away from the phone. He could hear her flicking through pages of a book as she sat back down at her desk. After a moment he heard her pick it up and place it back to her ear.   ‘I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t have an Addison Goodwin listed here. Are you sure she was one of our students?’ she asked. ‘Well I've been paying her tuition since Christmas so I would hope so,’ the Colonel said snidely. ‘Oh,’ she said uncomfortably, ‘well just give me a second I’m sure there’s some explanation here.’   The Colonel sighed again and glanced at his watch. He didn’t have time for this. He had things to be doing, his mind drifting to reporters gathered outside waiting for any scrap of news though he supposed if he couldn’t get Elvis to go outside it didn’t matter much anyway. After a moment or so he heard her utter a soft, ‘oh.’ ‘What is it?’ he asked leaning forward at her tone. ‘It appears she was here,’ she said. ‘Yes, I know that silly girl but that’s not what I’m asking. I need to know where she is now,’ he snapped. ‘That’s the thing,’ Mary-Ann said nervously, ‘see she hasn’t been here since before our Easter term.’ ‘Do you know where she went?’ the Colonel asked hoping she wouldn’t have an answer. That had been what he had been hoping for all along, that she had taken off just like her mother. ‘It says here she was transferred,’ she said making nerves bubble inside him. ‘Transferred where?’ he asked. ‘I don’t think it’s my place to say,’ she said tentatively. ‘Is it your place to explain why your school has been cashing cheques for students that are no longer attending,’ the Colonel said angrily. ‘It’s not like that, she’s been transferred to our sister…school. I think it’s best I just patch you through they should be able to explain everything better than I can. Just don’t hang up the line,’ she said hurriedly and before the Colonel could protest he heard her click off, a series of buttons being pressed as she transferred the call. He should’ve just hung up. After all, he had tried to get hold of her, was it his fault if she was no longer there? But he was too curious to leave it be, so he held on.   ‘Hello,’ another voice said. She sounded older than the last girl, more matronly. ‘Hello who am I speaking to?’ he asked. ‘Sister Teresa. Can I help?’ she said. ‘I hope so. I’ve just been patched through here from St Bernadette’s I’m trying to locate one of their students. She informed me she’d been sent to your school instead,’ he said. ‘That’s not possible Sir,’ Sister Teresa said. ‘That’s what the girl told me,’ he said feeling irritation bubble inside him. ‘Well I don’t know what she’s told you but we’re not a school,’ she said sternly. ‘Then what have I been paying tuition for?’ he snapped. ‘Sir, if you have an issue with St Bernadette’s I suggest you call them back and take it up with them but this is not a school,’ she said. ‘Then what is it?’ he said. ‘This is a mother and baby home,’ she said, ‘hello? Sir?’   After one more call for him to answer she gave up, the dial tone ringing out as she hung up on him. The Colonel was silent. He had questions, millions of them, but they couldn’t make it past his lips his throat so dry they were stopped from escaping him. Mother and baby home. Baby.   The word didn’t seem real.   Dozens of scenarios whizzed through his mind. Could it be true? Was the woman from the school mistaken? He thought about it, trying to do the mental maths in his head. If there was a baby it would’ve more than likely been born and surely she would’ve come back by now if she intended for Elvis to know. No, if she hadn’t come back yet there was a good chance she was going to stay away for good. At least that was what he hoped. Whatever good PR Gladys’ death would bring would surely be washed away at the sniff of a baby out of wedlock.   After a moment he seemed to realise that he was still holding the phone and though he didn’t know how long he’d been sitting there in shock but the fact that the dial tone was no longer there signalled a while. He placed it back on its nook and paused pondering what he was going to do. It didn’t take him long to decide.   When he got downstairs Vernon was by the living room door mid conversation with someone but he looked towards the Colonel expectantly all the same. The Colonel didn’t say anything but he shook his head silently making the hope in Vernon’s eyes snuff out immediately though he nodded in recognition his gaze flickering up the hall towards his bedroom.   The Colonel nodded.   He headed down the hall pausing at the door to the bedroom for a moment before he ducked inside. Though Elvis’ sobs were still able to be heard from inside the bedroom they were no longer the wracking inconsolable ones that the Colonel had walked in on. He pushed the closet door open gently. Elvis didn’t even look up as the door swung open, his face buried in one of his mother's dresses, his body practically curled around it as if he was trying to let the scent of her consume him. At this, the Colonel faltered.   He looked broken. Utterly and completely wrecked and it was heart-breaking to watch.   He was broken from his thoughts as Elvis mumbled something. He didn’t know if it was directed to him, he didn’t even know if Elvis had registered he was even in the room but he heard it all the same, ‘come back Satnin.’   ‘My boy,’ the Colonel said sadly. Elvis looked towards him, finally acknowledging he there though he didn’t say anything, the tears continuing to fall silently down his cheeks. The Colonel didn’t know where to put himself. Tough love seemed like the wrong approach. In fact, any approach seemed like the wrong approach but he had to do something. He had to get him out of this room.   ‘My boy,’ he repeated moving tentatively towards him and offering a hand out, ‘my boy you need to come out of here.’ ‘I can’t,’ Elvis said shaking his head as he buried his face back in his mother’s dress once more. ‘Your daddy needs help. He’s trying the best he knows how to but he is overwhelmed. He needs you out there,’ the Colonel said. ‘No, I can't go out there,’ he said looking up at him with tears in his bloodshot blue eyes before he added brokenly, ‘I just wanna stay in here forever.’ ‘Oh I know, I know you feel like this right now. I know you feel as though you will never be right again but things will get better. They won't be easy but I will be there to help with whatever it is you need. Tell me and I’ll make it happen,’ he said. ‘Bring her back,’ Elvis whispered. ‘If only I could,’ he said leaning down to place a hand on the boy's shoulder, ‘anything else I can do I will. Whatever you need.’ ‘Addison,’ he whispered quietly. The Colonel paused the words of the nun popping into his head once more. ‘I don’t think,’ the Colonel said hesitantly. ‘She mustn’t know. If she did, she’d be here. I know it,’ Elvis said looking at the Colonel imploringly. ‘Or maybe she does and she’s choosing to stay away,’ the Colonel said making Elvis’ face crumple once more, ‘after all it is times like these where we see who truly cares for us. Now your mother, she cared for you like no other and I know if she had a choice she would not have left you. And whilst I know no one could ever replace her I promise that from now on I will try my best to do everything she would’ve done. Anything she would have done; I will carry out in her name. While you are overseas I'll stay home, and I will work and I will worry while you serve your time in the Army.’   Elvis looked at him and though he didn’t respond he allowed the older man to guide him to his feet, ‘but you also have your part to play. You must stand by your [papa, comfort him, comfort your friends, family, and even your fans. Because if you don't, then all your Mama sacrificed for you will have been for nothing... Trust me.’   Elvis seemed to let his words digest for a moment before he nodded gently and then in a move that surprised the older man he lay his head on his shoulder. ‘No matter what happens, stay with me through thick or thin, okay?’ he said in a heartbroken whisper. The Colonel hesitated for just a second before he moved his hands to the boys back holding him as gingerly as he could as the boy continued to weep.   ‘I don’t have anyone else,’ Elvis said quietly. ‘You have me my boy,’ the Colonel said, ‘you have me.’

[rebelrayne]

[⭐] = faves // one shot directory // chaptered directory

rewind | villa | chaptered [31/31 complete]

Zephyr made it big time when she left Love Island with her boyfriend, Elijah. After catching him in her backstage dressing room with Arjun, an unfortunate accident lands her back in the Villa on Day 1 one year ago, except this time, she’ll make sure she wins no matter the cost. The only question is, will she win the money or the love of her life?

we do but friends don't | au villa | one shot

“I don’t want to do this,” Jordyn said, her voice cracking with every syllable. She’d grown to be fond of all four of the people standing there, although she was most definitely closer with Lottie, Gary and Bobby. Truth be told, she liked the old Hannah better than the one standing in front of her. Hannah seemed less than genuine when she returned and it only angered Jordyn to see her with Bobby when he deserved the world.

evenfall | au | chaptered [2/6 work in progress] [a gift for @/caitkaminski]

Addison Swan was forced to move to Beddgelert, Wales to live with her father, Charlie, but she soon starts to realize there's more to the town than she thought.

someone better suited | villa & post-villa | one shot

Dallas Holt is down on his luck but when he has the opportunity to enter the Love Island Villa in exchange for $20,000? He’d be stupid not to take it. The only catch? He’s not entering as himself; he’s entering as “Dylan.”

end game | villa | one shot [a gift for @/mrsbsmooth]

For those of you following along at home, this is the part of the story where the female love interest rejects the male protagonist so harshly, he should recoil and retire to a life of loneliness and solitude. But lucky for us… Elliot is two things: one, he can’t take a hint when slapped in the face with it, and two, he hates to lose when he doesn’t understand what went wrong.

let's play | au | one shot [a gift for @/whatisreggieshortfor]

Elliot lifts his head slowly, his Adam's apple bobbing as if he was swallowing every inch of his fears. Flipping a switch, his expression quickly turns mischievous – a crooked smirk she’s never seen on his face and that bloody dimple on the left that she’s always wanted to press her lips to. “Well, I’m not one to back out of a game.” His voice is smooth as velvet, another first in hearing his tone sound so alluring. He quirks a brow, hand cupping her face as he leans in close enough for his scent to surround her in a dizziness that could only be cured by his lips on hers. “I do quite like to win, as long as you want to play?”

define: falling | au | one-shot [a gift for thesepromises]

falling /ˈfôliNG/ verb 1 : to descend freely by the force of gravity. 2 : to come by chance. 3 : to pass suddenly and passively into a state of body or mind. Serena Wallace hates Hamish Kent… Or maybe she’s falling in love with him.

[⭐] fast car | villa | one-shot [finale night rewrite]

Acacia had the opportunity through his television screen to make him fall harder and harder without lifting a finger. He watched her look across the lawn and twist her face into the most hideous expressions– nose scrunched, tongue poked out, eyes crossed– but Andy didn’t laugh. The time she ran onto the challenge platform and did a clumsy cartwheel only to fall flat on her bum as she fell into a fit of giggles– Andy didn’t laugh. How she would create a different facial expression on pancakes every morning, hoping for even a faint tug at his lips– Andy didn’t laugh... But Hamish did.

[⭐] holidate | au | one shot [a gift for @/caitkaminski]

When Cece Singh gets the idea from her Aunt Priya to bring a Holidate to all of their holidays, she knows just the right guy for the job. The only rules? 1) You'll be one another's plus one as long as you're single. 2) Leave no Holidate behind. 3) No catching feelings.

imperfect & flawed | villa | one shot [post-casa hideaway rewrite]

Zoe liked men that were mature. Sophisticated. The type that knew how to pair just the right glass of Merlot with an Italian dish. She loved a man that dressed in a suit—perfectly tailored and crisp. He dressed well, but he’d change into his gray sweatpants and cuddle her on the couch. Leaning in, he’d kiss her tenderly. So slowly that her heart pounding behind the bars of her ribcage would burst. The perfect kind of man—that was what she liked. But Hamish was not that.

[⭐] it'll cost you | au | chaptered

Exciting things are happening and It’ll Cost You is no longer available for reading, but may be published as an original fiction in the future.

[⭐] on the market | villa | chaptered [6/? work in progress] (S9 Villa)

Hamish Lennox-Ross didn't want to go back into the Villa, but after some persuasion from Marshall, he takes another chance. Except this time, he's on a mission to win. The only issue is that Cheyenne Whalen might actually be his perfect match—and the perfect person to blow his entire plan.

[⭐️] off the market | villa | chaptered [11/11 complete] (S6 Villa)

Hamish Lennox-Ross doesn't do serious relationships. He had a plan– come on the show to appease his father, get dumped on purpose by being the most repulsive man possible, gain back his bank account. A fool-proof plan until Ava Connolly offers him something more. What's the saying? Don't hate the player, hate the guy pretending to be in a happy couple with your girl.

sinderella | au | one shot (attached to 'it'll cost you')

Exciting things are happening and Sinderella is no longer available for reading.

ten things i hate about you | au | chaptered [a gift for @/queen-of-boops]

"There are so many ways to hate. Count them yourself."

take a risk | au | one shot [a gift for @/justtuesdays]

Isabel Romero had never taken a single risk in her entire life. But when she finds an incomplete bucket list, she's determined to prove that she can be adventurous and spontaneous. With the help of her best friends, Shannon and Henrik, she's ready to cross off the last three items, come castle or behind a waterfall.

[⭐️] the checklist | post-villa | one shot

When Ivy gets dumped from Love Island, Nicky and Seb invite her on Doom & Gloom to explain her checklist and where each of the criteria came from.

the other side | au | one shot

Was it really happening? He had to have been dreaming. He wasn’t big, rugged and buff like Hazeem. He couldn’t be cool and collected like Kobi. He’d never be as handsome as Dylan. There’s no way he could ever be charming or suave like Youcef… He was just… him?

ten things i hate about you | au | chaptered [a gift for @/queen-of-boops]

"There are so many ways to hate. Count them yourself."

jurassic island | au | chaptered [10/19 work in progress]

Welcome to Jurassic Island, where wonders and imagination come alive. Come prepared because remember, you'll never forget the first time you meet a dinosaur.

hey swseetheart | post-villa | one shot [a gift for @/queen-of-boops]

When Oliver sends Maeve on a scavenger hunt on her birthday, she's led by familiar faces and letters Oliver wrote to his future wife.

[⭐️] jealous. | villa | chaptered [2/2 complete] [stick or twist rewrite]

Alaina isn’t Ryan’s usual type— but the image on the Casa Amor postcard is driving him insane. Part 1 SFW | Part 2 NSFW

[⭐] but lately... | villa | one shot

Seb isn't overly emotional. He's not a sticky sweet guy who loves a big romantic gesture, or someone who would pick up a bouquet of roses on the way home. But lately... There's something about Valerie.

ho ho ho or whatever | au | one shot [a gift for @/whatisreggieshortfor]

Inside the bustling, busy city of Liverpool, there comes a tale you certainly never learned in school. A record store sits on Paul Street in the heart of the town, and here, my dear reader, is where the start of our story is found. Ask any of the townsfolk, they’ll tell you the same: “There’s no place like home by the fire on Christmas Day!” All the windows of the stores are flocked with care, but there sat one store with its window display bare.

11:59pm | post-villa | one shot [a gift for @/0shewrites0]

He starts to walk over, his heart rate racing faster with every step closer. He pulls his phone out and peeks at the time. 11:59 pm. It’s almost time. He had a speech prepared, but it’s since been wiped from his memory. He cannot remember even one syllable of that speech.

[⭐] and the day after that, too | au | chaptered [13/13 complete]

Exciting things are happening and ATDATT is no longer available for reading.

[⭐] collateral | villa | chaptered [3/? wip]

Ariana Navarro wasn't looking for anything serious when she hooked up with a wealthy attendee at a wedding she was hired to do photography for...but then she would have called him if she hadn't lost his number. Tom Beresford-King has never had much luck with relationships and that didn't change after he met a wedding photographer...who never called him after a one night stand. He told her the universe said they should meet again, and fate agreed. Too bad Ari's happily coupled with a part-time comedian and a cute baker has her eyes laser set on Tom. But sometimes there's collateral damage when it comes to love.

part of our world | au | one shot

The town of Villa Rosa, North Carolina seems like a normal place. The people live ordinary lives, the kids go to school like anywhere else, but the truth? It’s the most evil, vile place in the world. The Disney characters were ripped from their stories and sent to the one place where they no longer had their happy endings: our world.

sterling mckenzie, inc. | au | one shot

Welcome to Sterling McKenzie, Inc. Paper Company, where career dreams go to die! But at least the boss is cool, right?

model santa | au | one-shot [a gift for @/whatisreggieshortfor]

Santa isn't real, right? But if that's the case, why is he claiming to be Youcef's father?

mon amour | villa | chaptered [edit in progress]

He used his index finger to tilt her chin up as she stood on her tiptoes. He cupped her face gently and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re playing a dangerous game here, mon amour.” She placed her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him down gently. She knew she was trembling, she knew that this could only spell out trouble for her. She didn’t care.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

I'm sorry but i'm addicted to our boy Spamton- I have a little unique request here. So this takes place where Spamton just moves in the Queen's mansion, he meets the reader and immediately falls for their kind words and gestures. Weeks pass, and he goes to see them, but catches them talking and hanging out with Swatch.. He gets really jealous to the point of changing his style to match Swatch's

"Oh [y/n]! Have You Met Our Newest Guest?"

"Uh, I don't believe-"

"He's An Interesting Addison Who Made A Big Name For Himself! Ohohoho!" Queen laughed joyously, pausing to sip her glass of battery acid. "I Wonder How He Got So Rich...No Matter. As My Peon, I Order You Greet Him......Whenever It's Convenient For You."

"Sure thing. I'll go now." With a respectful nod, you set off to the mansion's guest chambers to meet this newcomer. You've lived here for a long time--and somewhat reluctantly since Queen decided to make you one of her peons one day. But life was actually pretty good.

It wasn't like you had anything better to do, so if she needed someone to help her with plans that..didn't seem all-that urgent, you'll offer your assistance. She let you stay in the mansion for free and never made you do anything if you weren't feeling up to it.

For a tyrannical ruler she was rather kind.

Yet you didn't wanna take advantage of her hospitality, so you'd just listen to whatever she says. And if she wants you to meet this celebrity as part of her endless lists of requests, then you'll happily oblige. But you were eager too since you've seen his face on TV a lot. It felt like an honor.

After wandering the corridors of deactivated puzzles, Mona Lisa-esque portraits, and meticulously-placed pottery, you finally arrived at the guest rooms. You hummed a small tune as you passed by each one, stopping when you noticed one door was open.

Peeking inside, you saw the Addison still setting up things. A phone was tucked between his shoulder and ear as he moved a box whilst rambling to whoever was on the other end of the line.

"Yea! I promise I won't let you down, okay? Soon I'll be bigger than ever before! I know I'm already a big shot but....haha, yeah, I shouldn't get carried away. Okay. Right..we'll discuss more of this tomorrow. Thanks!"

After hanging up the phone and returning it to the receiver, he finally noticed you and smiled. "Hey, hey! Haven't seen your face around here yet. But surely you know mine, right?"

"Yeah." You smiled, not wanting to shy away from talking with him. "Spamton, right?"

"Everybody's favorite number-one rated salesman!!" He laughed. "It's good you know me..'cuz soon ALL of Cyber World will know my name! It's a pleasure to meet you...?"

"[Y/n]. I'm one of Queen's peons." You shook his hand politely. The energy that radiated from him was so bright. Just as much as his pearly smile was.

Stepping inside, you glanced around at the luxurious furniture. He definitely got the higher-class rooms, with the addition of a large window that showed the neon green meridians that stretched across the night sky. It was certainly a beautiful view to fall asleep to. "Need help unpacking?"

"Oh--sure!!" At first Spamton seemed surprised by your offer, but he nodded. "If you want, be my guest. And while we unpack, I gotta ask you..how's it being Queen's peon?"

............

Weeks passed, and you've gotten to know Spamton more and more. You realized he was actually a sweet down-to-earth guy all around. Although he was on the phone a lot, he'd make time to hang out with you, so you two became fast friends.

He was truly living the best life. Posters of his car advertisements were littered all over the city, and the Swatchlings attended to his every need. Though one thing was hard to admit, even when it seemed like he had it all:

You were his only friend now that everyone else is intimidated by his status--as they would shy away from conversing with him--and the Addisons, well, abandoned him out of jealousy.

Obviously that made him worry about driving you away, especially when he's on the phone nonstop. But...the fact you've been so kind to him in every word and gesture, treating him like a regular person and not some untouchable celebrity, was quite endearing. Most admired him for his products, not his personality.

Your kindness made him fall for you hard and fast, ever since day one. He wasn't sure if this was a good idea; to let it get in the way of his business.

But what the hell? He was a big shot! He can afford to go a bit bigger and take more risks. Living in this mansion with someone who loved him would be the perfect dream.

There was a much bigger dream that his valued caller insisted he focused on, but that can come later.

So this morning, Spamton set out to find you to address these feelings once and for all. Yet he was rather nervous. Addisons were most confident in selling products, not so much...everything else. But he didn't wanna back down. He kept smiling no matter what.

As he checked inside the color café that he usually frequented, he saw you eating at the table. He noticed you weren't alone but with Swatch, talking and...

Laughing with them?

And just like that, his smile faded much like his hope.

Of course, the head butler had their ways to swoon people. He tried not to think of it as anything more than just their personality. It's just their way to entice returning customers.

That's all...right?

Spamton ducked behind one of the displays, listening in on your conversation to determine if he should proceed or not.

"By the way, we've known each other for a while and..I've always wanted to ask you something.."

"Yes? What is your inquiry?"

He held his breath. This is exactly what he feared. Knowing that you've been here longer, it's obvious you'd be closer to that damn bird-

"Your outfit."

Then he exhaled shakily, relieved. 'What are you getting so worked up for, idiot?' He thought in the back of his mind, but he continued eavesdropping.

"Did the Queen make it or give it to you? It's very stylish and really makes you stand out from the other Swatchlings."

"Ah, in fact I decided this look for myself." Swatch chuckled softly, raising a wing to adjust their glasses. "The tailor did marvelous work with my vision: black suit, tinted glasses. Very fashionable, is it not?"

"It is. I like it a lot."

"Why thank you. I see why our Lady Grace admires you. Just for that compliment, I'll give you a discount on any of our products in the gift shop."

"Should be every day if you ask me." You joked, earning another chuckle from them.

Seeing all of this and the way you two spoke like close friends was a jab in Spamton's heart-shaped object. 'So [y/n] likes people who stand out? Well I can stand out, too..' He thought bitterly as he stormed out of the shop without either of you knowing he was there.

Why should he settle with being a blank-slate Addison like the rest of them? He didn't consider himself one anymore.

Today, he told his valued caller, he was gonna be a whole new person.

It would help him get closer to both of his dreams, but there was only one on his mind now.

............

Later that night as you were getting ready for bed, you heard a knock at the door. You huffed in annoyance, assuming Queen needed you for something.

She had a knack for disturbing you at ungodly hours. But knowing better than to ignore her, you went to answer the door anyways-

To some strange black-haired guy in a black suit and white turtleneck sweater.

"Hi, um...can I help you?"

"[Y/n]? It's me."

"....wait....Spamton?"

"Yeah!" The salesman laughed, throwing his arms out and making a pose. "Whatdya think of me now?"

Perplexed, you looked him up and down. He ditched the lime-green pants, instead wearing white trousers. And his hair was slicked back. But what was most peculiar about him were his glasses, tinted with pink and yellow lenses.

Had you not known any better, you would've thought Swatch suddenly shrunk and became robotized.

"Cool but..you kinda look like Swatch a little bit. Was that on purpose?" You mused.

"...haha....yeah uh..funny story. Um.." He dropped the act, losing his trademark grin as he wondered how to explain himself and this sudden transformation. You could tell he wanted to talk inside the room, so you let him in and shut the door.

"I don't recall Queen mentioning any costume contest-"

"It's not a costume." He muttered, uncomfortably rubbing his hands together as he looked at you with sadness. "This is who I am now. The new me."

"..huh? You serious?" When he nodded, you frowned slightly. "I'm confused. You don't look like an Addison anymore-"

"That's the point...! I...I don't wanna be associated with them anymore. I decided to stand out, y'know? If you're gonna be a big shot, ya gotta stand out from the crowd!" He forced a laugh that sounded rather glitchy.

You didn't buy it. It wasn't like him to do this out of the blue.

"Spamton, why imitate Swatch of all people? And why out of the blue like this? I mean..I don't mind if you like their style. But I didn't even recognize you until you spoke."

Try as he might, he couldn't make any better excuses. So seeing that he was cornered made him finally admit his jealousy, overhearing your conversation with Swatch while he was browsing--when he really wasn't, but he didn't wanna come off as creepy.

His voice glitched further due to stress, accidentally blurting out some kind of...flirtatious term as he explained how much you meant to him since day one.

You weren't sure if he meant to say "hot single" on purpose. Though you were flattered that such a famous guy like him...actually had a crush on you, an ordinary Darkner who just fetched the Queen's stick wherever she threw it.

You found it hard to believe he thought of you that way..so you kept your own feelings buried. So to see that it's mutual was a relief, and it made you smile.

Spamton, on the other hand, was stressing the hell out. So much so he didn't even see your smile. He just saw himself being stupid the more he rambled on.

It was such a stupid, stupid reason to get insecure--to the point of changing his entire appearance without warning. All because you were friends with a butler who was doing their job???

How selfish can he get when he already had everything he wanted and more?

When he did acknowledge your small smile, he thought you were holding yourself back from laughing. But you had every right to laugh and call him a joke for thinking this will get your attention.

As he finished talking, he could see your smile fade and huffed. He waited for you to tell him how stupid he looks and to go back to being the plain old Addison you met.

Instead of ridiculing him you...hugged him?

At this point you were sitting on the bed together. Of course yours wasn't as massive as his was, but it was big enough for you two to share.

"Spammy, I'm flattered you like me in that way but...you didn't have to do all of this to get my attention. I promise there's nothing going on between Swatch and I. We're just friends. They're not replacing you or anything."

"I know, it's just.." Taking off the glasses, he set them aside before hugging you tightly, head buried in your chest. "I don't wanna lose the only person in this damn place who makes me feel like myself. Who loves me for me, not my success. And...I-I felt like I had to change something about myself to make sure of that."

"Well..you don't need to change anymore. I love you no matter what you look like."

He blinked, his face turning as red as his cheeks.

You could sense his embarrassment from the way he tensed up in your arms and chuckled, patting his hair softly. "Just..don't feel pressured to change for me..or anybody for that matter, okay? Or at least let me know if you're gonna change things up again."

"You don't think..I look stupid or creepy like this?"

"No. Honestly you look pretty handsome. Black hair suits you well."

Hearing those words made him breathe a small sigh of relief. He nodded and hugged you tighter.

His new looks were staying for good.

[rainieclown]

DEADLY OBSESSION

michael myers x reader - chapter 3: blood pill

when you're in your room, you feel tired and lonely. it's been a long afternoon with doctors running around to find a new carer for you while miss burnham went home to recover. most of all, you were terrified that michael was being treated unfairly. there were sick rumours of doctor loomis mistreating patients, but you'd have to wait and see.

tags: angst, morning sickness, pregnancy/pregnancy tests

warnings: forced abortion, vomiting, angst, crying, yandere themes

huge trigger warning for (forced) abortions this chapter, i want to go into how patients are treated by the hospital as this is set in the 1980's and people in mental hospitals were treated cruelly around that time (esp in the halloween franchise) if you can't read this chapter, that's completely fine! i hope you're doing well, drink plenty of water and eat three meals - rin <3

michael had been gone for 4 weeks now, and you felt terrified. when you woke up this morning, you started vomiting and found that you can't move too quickly as you'll grow nauseous. miss burnham had visited, and was on crutches, only to be sent home by the administrator of the hospital. you felt lonely, they still hadn't found a free nurse as the hospital was pretty full, causing most of the staff to be overworked and unable to fit you on a schedule. so, doctor addison took you in on his more light schedule, he was simply researching cotard syndrome, and had three patients under his care for therapy and interviews about how they felt and how they became the way they are today. so, when you got up, after checking michael's room for any sign of him, you headed to the rec room where one of doctor addison's patients sat. they were talking, and the poor girl was truly convinced she was a vampire, referring to herself as "the mistress of the dark." you believed her name was thelma, but you weren't sure as she was never interested in talking to you and you just left her be. "thank you for your time, miss howcroft. i shall leave you to your undead activities." doctor addison bows his head before heading over to you.

"good morning, y/n. you look a little rough." the doctor greets, and you huff. "mhm. i feel sick, just spent 5 minutes throwing up." you sigh, and doctor addison hums, beginning to scribble down notes on a new page. "tell me your symptoms?" he suggests, and you hum. "nauseous, just feeling generally ill. i feel like i'm going to throw up." you tell him, and he hums, writing down the information you gave him. "morning sickness?" he suggests, looking up at you. "pfft, yeah maybe." you sigh, grabbing a cup to fill up with water. "is there any chance you could be pregnant?" he asks, and you choke on your drink. growing flustered, you stammer slightly, looking away from the man. "i'm guessing so from what i witnessed." he teases, nudging your side. "shut up..! i'm not pregnant." you huff, glancing at your stomach. "you could be, i'll get a test for you." he says, leaving the room.

you sigh, looking over at thelma who was staring at you. she makes a small noise as she realises she's been caught gawking, and you furrow your brows as she slinks away out of the room. you had noticed her wandering around curiously, sometimes spending her time with a burn victim. they seemed to get on pretty well, and you and doctor addison made a bet that they were secretly dating. when doctor addison returns, he hands you a thin box. "take this, and tell me the results asap." he smiles, pushing the box into your hands. "fine.. but i don't think i'm pregnant as morning sickness normally happens before this time." you note, but doctor addison corrects you. "no, morning sickness starts around the 4th to 6th week of pregnancy." he smiles, and you roll your eyes as you walk into the bathroom.

your heart dropped when you saw the results. you were pregnant. terrified of how the doctors would react, how miss burnham would react, but most importantly.. how would michael take it? would he be happy or would he ditch you? "fuck.." you whimper, tears streaking down your face. a few gentle knocks sound through the bathroom and you flinch. "y/n? are you done?" doctor addison calls through the door, and you whine as you open it up for him. "so..?" he asks softly, and you hand him the stick. "oh my... congratulations!" he smiles brightly, pulling you into a hug. you cry into his coat, and addison's smile drops as he rubs your back. "how will everyone react?" you whimper, and the blonde man sighs. "that i can't say, but we have to tell the board of your pregnancy. i'll leave it to you to tell mr. myers. come on, i'll take you to solitary to see him." he says, his british accent gentle and soothing. "thank you.. i'm scared but- i have to tell him at least." you sniffle, letting him lead you out of the room.

you've never been to solitary, as you normally stayed in your room or stowed away in the corner of the room. so seeing all the patients locked away and seemingly bored or distressed scared you. "is he okay?" you ask softly, and doctor addison shrugs. "i'm not sure.." he says softly, glancing at one of the more erratic patients in his cell. all of them were sound proof, inside and out, and were dark and cramped. "oh god.." you mumble, grabbing the doctors arm tightly for protection as you rest a hand over your stomach without realising. you get to michael's cell, and you see doctor loomis sat with him. michael spots you immediately, and his eyes brighten a little. you give him a small wave, upset at the bruises on his face and neck, desperate to get in there and hold him tightly. doctor addison gets his master key and unlocks a small panel on the door. "doctor loomis, i need to borrow mr myers." he says firmly as the older doctor turns. "ah, doctor addison. what a surprise." he grins, standing from his chair and turning his back to michael. "i'm just about done here. keep a close eye on him, he's deemed dangerous." doctor loomis says as he steps out.

you slip past the doctors and latch onto michael tightly, wrapping your arms around his neck, forgetting about his bruises. he doesn't seem to care as his shackled hands find your hips, holding you closer. "i've missed you.." you mumble, moving away to cup his face in your hands. "me too. are you alright?" he rasps, voice rough from lack of use. you nod slightly, leaning your forehead against his as you gently brush his hair with your fingers. "how peculiar. i've never seen anyone get a positive reaction out of him." doctor loomis notes, and addison hums. "they have a special bond, but we need to let them have a private conversation as i tell the board the situation." he says, closing the door to speak to loomis privately as well.

"are you alright?" you ask, still resting one of your hands on his cheek. "mhm. i'm fine." he replies, nuzzling into your neck as he pulls you fully onto his lap. the two of you sit in a comfortable silence as you curl into his chest. "how long until you get out?" you ask after a while, and michael hums. "soon." he responds, kissing the top of your head. "can i tell you something..?" you continue, voice quiet. "of course." he says, tilting your chin with his finger so you would look at him. "i'm pregnant.." you announce, averting your gaze from his. michael smiles, the thought of you swelling with his child was so hot to him, a true marking, but the thought of having a kid annoyed him. he doesn't like kids... but he'd make an exception for you. "michael..?" you mumble, tears welling in your eyes.

"don't worry, i'm happy." he smiles, nuzzling his nose against yours. you smile, kissing him softly. "thank you for not turning me away.." you sigh happily and michael rolls his eyes. "i would never. you're mine now, forever." he mumbles, resting his large hand on your stomach. you feel warm inside, and despite being terrified of the teen pregnancy, you felt happy that you weren't in this alone. the door opens abruptly, and you jump. "y/n, please come with me so we can talk." doctor loomis crosses his arms and you feel unsafe as you shuffle closer to michael. "talk to me here.." you say quietly, not willing to leave michael again, and he clearly feels the same way as he holds you tighter- this time being careful of your stomach. "fine. i'm assuming you've told him of your predicament." doctor loomis adjusts his glasses before continuing. "the board just won't allow a pregnancy between two patients, let alone between two 17 year olds." he continues as doctor addison looks away. "i'm sorry, but we're going to have to perform an abortion." the blonde sighs from where he stood. "what?! no!" you protest, draping your arms around your stomach protectively. "don't worry, y/n. it'll be over before you know it." doctor loomis smiles.

michael moves to stand, putting you down carefully and moving in front of you. "don't touch them." he says, voice rough as he speaks up. "i'm afraid you have no say in the matters, myers. hand them over." loomis says, folding his arms. "no." he furrows his brows, feeling you clutch the back of his shirt as you nuzzle into his back. "myers, this is crucial. let me take y/n to my operation room." loomis says sternly, taking a step closer. "over my dead body." he growls, and loomis simply smiles again. "we'll dig one hole." he shoots back, grabbing michael's wrist and stabbing a syringe into his vein. michael feels himself growing weaker slowly, but his urge to protect you- to protect his baby- is too much. tugging on his shackles, he tries to lunge for the doctor, but alas, he slumps to his knees as you gasp, moving to help him.

"now then, y/n. come with me please." loomis smiles at you, taking your arm into his hand to pull you from michael. "no! michael, help!" you yelp, trying to struggle. "enough, doctor loomis! you can't hold my patient like that." addison steps up, trying to pull you from the older doctor. "now now, addison. you don't want to get in trouble for stopping the process now, would you?" loomis teases, and you feel dizzy at how fast the doctor had pulled you. michael tries to grab you again, but he collapses fully onto the floor, unable to help you as you cry. eventually, a needle pricks your neck and you cry in pain before growing dizzy. "michael..!" you whimper as your world goes dark.

when you awaken, you're lay in your bed, snugly wrapped up in your blankets but something's wrong. you feel... empty. you can just tell that your baby was gone, and you start to sob. you cry for hours, feeling no motivation to get up to dry your tears or get some water for your dry throat. you just cry, clutching your stomach as you roll onto your side. your baby wasn't even a month into development, and they had stripped you of them. you barely got to experience pregnancy with michael, barely got to feel like a parent. your door clicks open, and you don't even react as you sob into your pillow. "y/n." a gruff voice starts, and you finally turn. michael moves over to your bed, and you scramble to hug him tightly. "they- they..!" you wail, and michael sighs as he holds you close to his chest.

michael didn't feel anything, but the sight of you mourning made him feel sick. he wanted revenge on the facility for making you feel like this, wanted to murder anyone who hurt you. "my baby..!" you cry, still clutching your tummy as he holds you. michael kisses your head softly, rubbing your belly for you. "it's okay. they won't get away with this. i'll make sure of it." he grumbles, a tinge of anger in his voice. "they killed my baby.." you whimper, hands coming up to grasp onto michael instead, his presence comforted you as you guessed he was feeling the same way. "it's alright.. i'll make sure they never hurt you again." michael states, laying down with you carefully as you settle with him, letting you cry yourself to sleep into his chest.

time passes, and doctor addison grants michael access to stay in your room whilst you mourn. he feels rage boiling his blood as he has to force you to eat, to drink, to shower, to take medication, to take care of yourself at all. they made you like this, and he was going to make them pay for every ounce of distress that filled your mind. currently, you were fast asleep against his chest, mumbling something incoherent in your sleep. michael can't sleep, and he doesn't mind staying awake until you feel better even if it kills him. you were his top priority, his obsession. he loved you deeply, and cared about what happened to you.

they had destroyed all progress you had made, you couldn't even get out of bed to go to therapy. michael gives you a small kiss on your forehead as you shuffle in your sleep slightly, your hands clutching his shirt tightly. tears are slipping from your closed eyes as you sleep, and michael gently rubs them away, leaning in again to kiss you softly. you relax slightly, but when he pulls away you whimper. "my baby..!" you cry despite being asleep. michael lets out a small breath as he rubs your back, fluttering soft kisses over your face so that you would settle again. "michael..?" you mumble, and he hums softly. "it's okay, i'm here." he says back, unsure if you're still sleeping or not.

you doze off again, content in your dream, still grasping his shirt tightly to keep him close. michael checks the time behind him, it was 3:41 am, time was going so slow. michael's throat was dry, and he can't fight the urge to go get water. slowly, he slips from your grip and gets up, unknown to the fact that despite unconscious you knew he left. as he gets a drink from the tap in the bathroom, you cry softly, curling in on yourself. your cries grow distressed as you lurch up, wide awake. "mike!" you yelp, hands trembling as you search for him. the other patient steps from the bathroom quickly, stalking over to grab you tightly. you settle with your head on his chest as he bundles you up into his arms. "it's okay.." he mumbles as your tears wet his shirt. "why did they do this to me..?" you cry, looping your arms under his to pull him closer. "because they don't care about anyone in this hospital." michael's reply is sour, and he moves back to the bed with you.

you sniffle as he lays you down, and you make grabby hands at him. chuckling, michael joins you and wraps you both up in the covers. "thank you for being here.." you mumble, nuzzling into his chest as you wrap your arms around his middle. "mhm, i love you." he smiles, kissing your head softly. "i.. i love you too." you reply softly, smiling brightly. after a few moments of silence, michael assumes you've fallen asleep but your small voice mumbles his name. "hm?" he looks down at you. "if we get the chance, would you like to have kids?" you ask softly, and michael is slightly taken aback. "in here or when we get out?" he questions back and you shrug. "either." you mumble, and michael thinks. "absolutely. i'll do anything for you." he says softly, "besides, the thought of you being full of my kids is hot as fuck." he adds teasingly, enjoying how you fluster. "thank you.." you mumble to the first part as he gives you a soft kiss.

michael pulls your leg over his hips and you hum, happily shuffling closer to him. "you're so cute.." michael whispers as you settle on him. "stop." you whine, hiding your smile. "mm, no." he teases, lifting your head to give you a soft kiss. three soft knocks interrupt your moment, and you sit up. "it's almost 4 am, who..?" you trail off as michael gets up, gesturing for you to stay put. slowly, michael peels the door open and is surprised to see doctor addison standing there. "may i come in?" he asks softly, and michael looks back to you. you seem uncomfortable, yet nod, so michael lets him in. "i just want to apologise.. i shouldn't of told them, i just... my research means anything to me and if i slip up it will mean nothing." he explains, and michael hides you protectively behind him.

you sniffle slightly, leaning against michael's shoulder. "however, if anything were to reoccur... i promise i won't tell as long as i can keep doing my research." he says, placing another pregnancy test on your bedside table. you eye it curiously, and despite feeling a lot of pain you know it's always possible to try again. "thank you.." you mumble, circling your arms fully around michael as he continues to watch the doctor's every move. "i hope you can find it in you to forgive me, y/n.. i think miss burnham is coming back soon so hopefully you both can do art therapy again." he smiles, leaving the room after bidding farewell.

michael grabs the test, offering it to you. "what do you think?" he asks softly, and you take the box from him. "i might still need some time, but i will happily try again." you smile, and michael smiles back.

[the-antiapocalyptic-man]

Headverse: Century Babies

Quick rundowns of all the Century Babies (metahumans born at the stroke of midnight 1899/1900, usually particularly powerful) active in the headverse, with a few tweaks. The DC characters on the list are my own additions, but I also tweaked most of the Wildstorm ones anyway. Jenny is based on her Wild Storm reboot version, but since she’s in a DCU proper, she was also a member of Diana’s Society before becoming disillusioned as the century wore on and founding The Authority by the start of the 21st.

Gaia and River were both born in 2000 in canon, but I backdated them to 1900s to keep everyone together and because--since I’ve dumped the idea they all die at 100 and have an idea of the new impetus behind why they exist at all--it was just provided more avenues to explore. There might be other additions down the line, but this the main group for now:

Jenny Mei Sparks - born in Singapore, raised in Britain, leaving home after hearing stories of the Wondrous Warrior Woman of World War I. Her own powers revolve around electricity in all its forms, only seeming grow in power over the course of the Twentieth Century and into the Twenty-First. The Authority

Diana of Themyscira - born on Paradise Island in a mystical trans-dimension fold created by Ares as a gift to the Amazons, Diana left for Man’s World with Colonel Steve Trevor to participate in World War I, hoping to bring the conflict to swift, amicable conclusion. Four years later, bloodied and bruised, and having murdered her own half-brother, Diana vanished. Briefly resurfacing in 1938 and throughout the decades after, Diana would be the cornerstone of the New Age of Heroes. The Wonder.

Elijah Snow - much about his origins are unknown even now, but Elijah Snow used his ability to “subtract heat” and his own keen intellect to become a major player in the meta human underground. Founding the Planetary Guide and associated organization, Elijah wanted to be a detached observer, but found himself increasingly involved in meta human affairs, leading up to his actions during the Crisis. The Ghost.

Michael Desai - born in Bombay to a family on the lowest cast of society, Desai’s powers and immortality was apparent at birth as he generated a massive earthquake that left a crater miles in diameter around him. Surviving in the care of the British Government, Desai would break from their control and establish himself as the rule of Bombay’s—and soon all of the Indian Subcontinent’s—criminal underworld. Controlling the earth itself in the way Snow controlled the cold and Jenny became electric, Desai became one of the most power meta humans in the world, even among Century Babies. His daughter, Janni, may yet outclass him. The Outsider.

Axel Brass - born in New York to French parents, the unfortunate circumstances of his birth failed to overshadow Brass’s genius intellect. Bolstered by his perfected anatomy, Brass fought all matter of strange science-foes alongside the other meta humans and mystery men of the Golden Age. Crippled in a battle and thought lost, Brass was eventually discovered by Planetary’s field team, returning to his research even as he was still healing from decades-old injuries. His friendship with the Golden Age Batman would lead him to seek out the modern version as a potential ally. The Man of Bronze.

Hark - born in a Chinese village, Hark’s origins and rise to power are shrouded in mystery. He seemed to emerge fully formed. Notably, he had something of a rivalry with White Dragon, who would often misidentify Hark’s nationality to get a rise out of him. Hark, in response, would often beat the shit out of his racist ass. Like, fuck that guy. Hark’s daughter, Anna Hark, would assist the Planetary Organization, as well as having something of an odd friendship with Amanda Waller. Just Hark.

Addison Vochs - born in rural Alabama, what her religious family and community believed to be an angelic singing voice turned out to be much more as she discovered the ability to influence those around her with a single word or note. Christening herself Vox Populi, Addie became a leading figure in Civil Rights struggles even as groups like the Fever Men attempted to silence her. The Word.

Kevin Sack - Lord Blackstock, born in a British Country Manor before being lost in the jungles of Africa, Kevin grew up among wildlife that certainly would have killed and eaten him had he not been possessed of immense physical abilities and a capacity to communicate with animals, what later groups would come to know as a connection to the Red. Eventually finding kinship with humans in the isolationist utopia of Opak-Re, Sack’s lost of both his lover and his infant daughter (who would surface years later as Jakita Wagner of Planetary) would drive him to a one-man war on the European colonial occupation of Africa, and his eventual death. The Red. Golden Age Animal Man

River Baldwin - born in Ethiopia, River spent much of his early life sickly, falling into a coma that he miraculously did not die from, his parents unaware of his true potential. As the century wore on and technology around the world rapidly advance in response to the emergent meta human populations, River awoke as one of the most powerful of the Century Babies. A “God of Technology” River’s capacity to guide and manipulate information would only grow until he rose major billionaire status by the end of the 20th and going into the 21st Century. The Engineer.

Gaia Rothstein - born in the US to Jewish immigrant parents, Gaia’s connection to The Green mirrored Sack’s connection to the Red. Even compared to later Green Avatars like Pamela Isley-DuBarry and Alec Holland, Gaia’s raw power was unparalleled. Growing out of control, Gaia began to lose her connection to humanity and be consumed into The Green, the pure avatar that the Parliaments had always wanted. Her death would have tragic consequences for all involved. The Green. Golden Age Swamp Thing.

Bret Leather - better known as Lamont Cranston, the Shadow, Leather went by a variety of names and paid good money for no one to know which was his true one. Training alongside Hark and Ra’s Al Ghul at Nanda Parbat, Cranston returned to New York and found himself allied with both Doc Brass and Aloysius Fox. Cranston’s failure to connect with his step-son, William, and the way it drove the man to tragedy later in life under the influence of megalomaniac telepath Randall Dowling. The Justice.

Shiro Ito - born in Okinawa. While he was a genius like many of his peers, his capacity for self-experimentation had some unsavory effects. Once he discovered his own innate immortality, his need to push his body only expanded until the man who was once Shiro Ito was no longer strictly human. This make the origins of his daughter, Cindy Burman, suspect. The Dragon King.

Richard Swift - born in Hong Kong to British parents, Swift’s connection to the Darklands became apparent early on. Free to travel anywhere darkness touched as he pleased, Swift’s unusual life began. After many adventures and a brief rivalry with Diana’s Society, Swift would unexpectedly decide to settle in America. A resident of Opal City, Swift’s adversarial-turned-friendly dynamic with Starman would make him a long time confidant of the Knight family and their own successor, Star Girl. The Shade.

Edit: immediately after posting this, I remember I left off Niles Caulder and Robert Crane, but I talked about them at length already

[bluerose5]

The Ghost of Paradise (Exile AU)

Chapter 1: Exiled

Rating: M

Word Count: 3,791

Tags: Mass Effect: Andromeda, Reyder, Exiles AU, Pre-Relationship, Drinking, Mentions of Recreational Drug Use

[Read it here on ao3.]

If there was one thing Scott used to his advantage, it was the fact that people always seemed to underestimate him. They thought him to be that sweet, lovable guy that almost everyone got along with. To them, he was simply a normal, everyday soldier who bought the Initiative's pitch like everyone else and took the leap across galaxies on a hunch.

Granted, most of that was somewhat true, but not entirely.

Like the other exiles, Scott didn't exactly wait around for someone else to come swooping in to save the day when the Initiative went to shit. Given that he was part of the original Pathfinder mission team —sent ahead on the Nexus to help prepare for the ark's arrival— he was supposed to have more say, should worse come to worst.

Yeah, because that turned out so well.

It wasn’t for lack of trying. When it was clear that the arks were delayed, it fell to Scott and the others sent ahead by their Pathfinders to call the shots on that end. That was what they had agreed upon per protocol before departing from the Milky Way.

Of course, Nexus leadership had something to say about that. They backtracked hard, citing inexperience and the lack of SAM as reasons to keep the Pathfinders' Nexus representatives from gaining power.

All Tann seemed to worry about was maintaining control over the populace, even when his choices didn't seem to be in everyone's best interests.

One after another, every attempt to establish an outpost failed. Naturally, hope began to dwindle over time, as would be expected after so many failures. It was brutal to watch, especially since Nexus leadership absolutely refused to send any of the Pathfinders' designated representatives. Scott didn't fully understand that decision. Maybe Tann thought that if he gave them an inch, then they would take a mile. Perhaps he was intimidated by the very thought that they might vie for the Pathfinder position yet again.

In the end, it didn't matter.

Scott didn't leave because they refused him the fancy title and its accompanying throne.

No, Scott left because of the utter incompetence. Kesh could handle her own as superintendent, but Tann and Addison were both a piece of work in their own right, making idiotic decisions yet never owning up to their mistakes. Making decisions that affected everyone yet never listening to the opinions of the public.

It was maddening, and Scott's eventual departure was inevitable.

Joining up with the uprising was one thing he couldn’t bring himself to regret. Scott fought to get innocent people off that station and to safety. Not everyone who left was a criminal, and they deserved better than what they got.

By the time they made it to Kadara, Scott was already tiring of Heleus. He helped take down the kett, didn't really get any credit for doing so, and jumped ship as soon as he could.

After Sloane took control of the port, Scott escaped into the badlands every now and then, only returning on occasion. She might have had good intentions in the beginning, but Scott didn’t like the direction her leadership was taking in regards to their future.

Besides, with trouble brewing between the Collective and the Outcasts, it seemed like he took the right step in venturing out on his own.

At first, he kept to himself, but it was impossible to ignore the people in need of help.

Seeds of corruption were already planted in the Outcasts' organization. Not that the Charlatan and their Collective were much better. Everything about the two factions' activities spelled trouble for all of the "little people" getting caught in the crossfire.

Scott had to do something. Ignoring the problem would only make it worse, leaving it to fester and spread like an unwelcome infection.

The gangs could beat each other up as much as they liked, but Scott was determined to make the planet safe for those who merely sought shelter from the madness. It took weeks of scouting out areas with a decent enough bedrock, weeks of surveying the angaran filtration systems, to even have a blueprint for a working water filter.

Of course, being an engineer had its perks.

Eventually, Scott managed to rig his tactical cloak for prolonged use and infiltrated one of the angaran hubs out in the badlands. He made it out with no collateral damage, taking off in the dead of night with scans of their systems. It gave him enough of an understanding to integrate their design into his own plans.

Did he feel bad for stealing as he did? Yes. Could he afford to linger on the guilt, knowing that those angara were denying the Milky Way species access to their plans? No.

Not when survival was on the line.

It was either keep giving them insane amounts of credits and supplies in exchange for a measly cup of water or take it for himself.

Scott was only glad he got in and out undetected. He would fight if he had to, but he wasn't bloodthirsty to the point that he actively sought out confrontation.

Building and perfecting his own filters took time and resources, even more so than usual since he was careful to keep any transactions out of the port under the radar. It was worth it, though. Before long, Scott had a working filtration system under his control.

And on Kadara, where there was fresh water, people soon followed.

Any exiles without gang affiliation were welcome. Most were wary to move to the area at first, understandably so, but Scott didn't force the matter. After all, it was difficult to verify whether or not this new town was a trap or the real thing. How could the exiles guarantee that it wouldn't turn out like all the other towns trying to get a start in the badlands? There one day, and burned to the ground by the next.

Hell, Scott didn't even attach his name to the place . Taking a page out of the Charlatan's book, Scott preferred a more discreet approach to leadership.

However, even Scott knew that, if he was ever going to get the place functioning properly, he would need to win some people over to his side.

Dr. Nakamoto had been the best person to off start with, and Scott didn't regret choosing him for a second. In exchange for retrieving his formula for Oblivion, Dr. Nakamoto promised his services as Scott's resident physician.

Luckily, his patients were more than happy to follow. Some even stayed, and word soon spread.

The rest, as they say, is history.

The locals started calling the place Paradise. A cheesy enough name, but it came down to a vote so Scott allowed it.

Compared to the surrounding cesspool that was the badlands, Scott figured he could understand why they would call it that. It felt like an oasis in an otherwise desolate wasteland, a place where one could go and catch their breath.

As for Paradise's "elusive leader," there was just as much speculation around their identity as there was around the Charlatan's. Although, unlike the Charlatan, all of the residents under Scott's care have met him, and all remained tight-lipped about who he was.

He was grateful for their loyalty. He never asked for it, but he was grateful nonetheless.

It prevented the gangs from painting a target on any one person's back. There were the occasional attacks on the community, but their people were stronger and smarter than the outlaws gave them credit for.

As stories of Scott's ventures spread, infiltrating and sabotaging both the Collective's and the Outcasts' operations to provide for his own people, Kadara Port started to buzz about this mysterious third party that joined in on Kadara's power play.

Truth was, Scott wasn't looking for power or influence.

He was simply looking to protect and provide, no matter the cost.

The Ghost, they called him, known for sneaking in and out without a trace.

And any time he was detected, there were never any witnesses left to tell the tale.

Those at Paradise always got a kick out of the nickname, refusing to let him live it down.

That was fine, though. Scott would rather be the people's boogeyman than to let their opposition think that Paradise will just roll over on their backs and let everyone else fuck them over without retaliation.

On Kadara, it was a dog-eat-dog kind of world. Any sign of weakness will be quickly taken advantage of.

But Scott played his part well.

Nowadays, he lived in the port more often than not, putting up with Sloane's ridiculous protection fees in order to keep the suspicion off himself and those around him.

At the slightest hint of trouble, Paradise had an emergency beacon equipped that would ping Scott's omni-tool at a moment's notice. He had the utmost faith in their capabilities, but he would be there at the drop of a hat, should he be signaled.

For now, it was time he sat back, kicked up his feet, and listened.

Crazy all the things you could find out just from listening to a conversation here or there.

As soon as Scott sat down at the bar in Kralla’s, he asked Umi for his usual.

“Starting a tab?” she asked as she wiped down the bar.

Scott was almost afraid to ask if that was blood or wine staining the rag that she was using. Then again, ignorance was bliss.

Such was the way of life on Kadara.

Scanning the area, Scott eventually nodded.

“Might as well.” He gave a long, drawn-out sigh. “I’m meeting with Reyes soon. Cheap bastard never pays for his drinks.”

“Yet you keep letting him get away with it,” Umi noted.

Scott chuckled.

“Best not to burn bridges over a few drinks,” he said, “especially when this bridge in particular filters a large majority of the goods coming in and out Kadara.”

“Whatever floats your boat, Ryder.”

While Umi continued to mix his drink, Scott tuned into the conversations around him. One caught his attention right off the bat, focused on the latest topic of discussion that was making its rounds throughout the Port.

“I’m tellin’ ya!” the human griped, words slightly slurred. “That damn place is a cult. All exclusive-like. I swear, that lot would rather sacrifice their firstborns than give up the name of their precious leader.”

“Hmph, doesn’t matter,” their salarian companion muttered. “If the outlaws in the badlands don’t take care of that group soon, chances are that Sloane or the Charlatan will, leader or no leader.”

Heh, Scott would like to see them try.

Speaking of the devil himself, Scott tensed the second he felt hands upon his shoulders, only to relax once he heard that familiar voice whisper in his ear.

“You look like you’re waiting for someone,” Reyes breathed, his lips brushing lightly along the shell of his ear.

Without missing a beat, Scott brushed him off with a playful glare.

“You’re late,” he scolded. He tried his best to sound indifferent, unimpressed. His relationship with Reyes has always been complicated at best. “As always.”

Releasing Scott from his hold, Reyes claimed the spot at his side, pretending to look properly chastised.

“I swear, it won’t happen again,” he said. He even made a show of crossing his heart. “I promise.”

“And yet, I don’t believe you.”

“Well, that’s because I was lying.”

Scott snorted, “At least you’re honest about something.”

That’s not even taking into account the whole Charlatan business, something that Reyes seemed to hold extra close to his chest with Scott around. Scott couldn’t tell if it was because Reyes had his own suspicions about him, or if he withheld that information for some other reason unbeknownst to Scott.

Either way, it took Scott a while to put the pieces together himself. Not too long, considering that the majority of the port was still puzzled over the Charlatan’s identity, but it was long enough for Scott to be as certain as humanly possible without having Reyes spell it out for him.

It was simple, really, once Scott knew what to look for. How Reyes slipped up one time about where the Collective’s base was, only to brush it off as mere rumor. How, on any job they took together, Reyes was the first to volunteer to follow up on any Collective leads. Or, better yet, how he seemed so certain whether or not an incident coincided with the Charlatan’s MO if the Charlatan was the one being implicated.

Safe to say, spend enough time with the man, and it became rather obvious over time.

As Keema was all too eager to point out, Reyes liked to think he was so subtle when, in reality, he’s not. Well, not as much as he assumed, at least.

On the other hand, maybe the Charlatan’s secret identity only became apparent to Scott because Reyes wanted him to figure it out.

If that was the case, then Scott would have to open that can of worms another day.

Right now, he needed to focus on why they were here.

Clearing his throat, Scott waited until Umi passed them their drinks and left, moving on to serve her other customers.

Scott grabbed ahold of Reyes’s sleeve and tugged. He waited until Reyes met his eyes, then jerked his chin in the direction of a nice, secluded table.

“Shall we?” he asked.

Reyes hummed, eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Trying to get me alone, Scott?” Resting against the bar, Reyes leaned in close, but Scott refused to move a single muscle, holding his ground. “You need only ask.”

“I’ll keep that in mind then,” Scott said. He gave Reyes a blatant once-over, sparing his lips an appreciative glance. “It’s not every day that I get the great Reyes Vidal all to myself.”

“Keep buttering me up, Scott,” Reyes teased, “and I might just give you that discount after all.”

“Really?”

“No.”

Scott huffed.

Picking up their drinks, they soon settled in at the table that Scott had pointed out. From where they sat, they had a whole view of the bar.

Scott took a swig of his beer, and Reyes instantly followed suit, unable to take their eyes off of each other for even a second.

They sat their glasses back down with a solid thunk.

“Okay,” Scott started, “let’s get down to business.”

“Just like that?” Reyes laughed.

“Just like that.” Shuffling in place, Scott reached into his pocket and removed a small pouch filled with seeds. At Reyes’s curious expression, Scott explained, “My payment. A rather generous one, if I do say so myself.”

After Scott tossed the pouch onto the table, Reyes picked it up. He let its weight rest in the palm of his hand for a moment before loosening the ties to sneak a peek.

His brow furrowed in confusion.

“Seeds?” he questioned, cocking his head to the side.

“Yep,” Scott said, popping the ‘p’ for emphasis. “Seeds for a ‘medicinal herb.’ My scans confirmed it. It develops antibiotic-like properties as it matures, along with some other, more recreational effects.”

And by scans, Scott meant Nakamoto. Their resident doctor was quick to jump at the chance to study the plant’s effects, especially if it could help fight off future infections in Andromeda.

Scott had started off by “borrowing” a few plants from some of their local cultivators, returning the samples to the greenhouse that they had established in Paradise.

Their latest harvest yielded a surplus, so Scott figured that any leftover seeds would be a profitable bargaining chip for trade.

Turns out, he was right.

Reyes tightened his grip upon the pouch and pocketed it, now that he knew what he was getting out of their exchange.

“A valuable product,” Reyes acknowledged, “if what you say is true.”

Smirking, Scott leaned back in his chair, hand over his heart in mock offense.

“Now, Reyes, would I ever lie to my favorite smuggler?”

“True enough. You do have a soft spot for me.”

“You’re that certain, huh?”

“As a betting man, I would say that I’m confident in my chances of being right.”

He even had the gall to throw in a wink for good measure.

Scott’s face warmed, but he ignored the sensation, trying to calm his racing heart.

Of, if only he knew…

Clearing his throat, Scott returned their focus to the topic at hand.

“Also, with that herb, you don’t have to worry about any of those nasty addictive effects like with Oblivion,” Scott continued. “I guess the high you get from it could be considered slightly addictive in more of a mental sense, but it’s relatively harmless on a physiological level.”

Reyes raised an eyebrow at him.

“Sounds like you know from personal experience.”

“I, uh—” Scott stammered, caught red-handed. “Well, what kind of salesman would I be if I didn’t sample the product for myself?”

“A poor one, indeed,” Reyes agreed. “I’m only offended that you didn’t think to invite me to the party.”

“I’ll keep that in mind next time I feel the urge to smoke the space weed,” Scott deadpanned.

“Please, do.”

“Okay, okay.” Scott did his best to hide his laughter. His lip quivered at the corner. “Back to business, mister. You’re not taking my goods and leaving me with nothing again.” Reyes had charmed his way out of one too many deals with him in the past, but not anymore. “Where’s the goods?”

“Scott,” Reyes gasped. “I am offended you would think that I would stoop so low as to steal from my favorite exile.”

When it was clear that Scott wasn’t buying it, Reyes surrendered.

“Alright, here. One long-ranged scanner, ready for use.” Taking out a small package, Reyes pushed it pointedly across the table. Scott took it instantly, unable to express his gratitude in that moment. “Sorry that I didn’t have a chance to giftwrap it. My best only deserves the best, after all.”

Scott felt his heart skip a beat.

“Don’t think anything of it.” Scott shook his head, clutching tightly at the package. “This should be enough.”

“Glad to hear it.” Reyes paused, hesitating before coming out with it. “If you don’t mind me asking, what’s it for?”

“What else would I use a scanner for?” Scott countered. “I wasn’t on the Pathfinder’s mission team for nothing. We have a whole bunch of unexplored ruins scattered all over the surface of this planet, and I plan on getting some readings.”

To be more specific, he wanted a reading on their turrets if he could examine one at a safe distance. Even the beam technology from the Observer bots would be useful in formulating a defensive matrix for the t—

“You what?”

Uh-oh, someone was upset.

Scott grimaced. He carefully avoided Reyes’s gaze, filled with heat and disapproval.

“Reyes, come on,” Scott sighed. It was weird to see him so fiercely protective, to see him act like he cared about anything other than the next job he had lined up. “I’m a big boy. I’ll be careful.”

“Kadara’s most experienced scientists were careful,” Reyes snapped, “yet that didn’t stop the Remnant from butchering them like animals. Scott, there’s a reason why even the angara avoid those areas like the plague. The security measures alone…”

Could be what kept Scott’s people safe.

Sitting up straight, Scott held his head up high with renewed purpose, meeting Reyes’s eyes with a stubborn glare.

“I’m going,” he stated, “whether you like it or not. The information stored there might be vital to our continued survival. We can’t pass up an opportunity to learn the Remnant’s secrets.”

Reyes pursed his lips, but eventually acquiesced.

“Fine, but I’m accompanying you when you go.”

“That’s not your decision!”

“You’re not changing my mind.”

They stared each other down, caught at an impasse.

After a moment of tense silence between them, Reyes grumbled. Since that argument was obviously far from being over, he was more than willing to change the subject.

“I have another exchange for you.”

Now, that got Scott’s attention. Setting the scanner aside, he would make sure to install the upgrade into his omni-tool later, curious about this second trade-off.

They didn’t have anything else planned for today, and Reyes wasn’t usually the type to drop something like this on a client at the last second.

Whatever he found, it had to be huge.

“What is it?” Scott asked, wondering what the Charlatan himself had up his sleeve.

“A little bit of intel,” he offered, keeping his reply as vague as ever.

Still, if Reyes was offering the information, then it must be important. As shady as he could be at times, information was his forte. When Reyes used it as a bargaining chip, he meant business, and chances were that it was reliable.

Scott simply wondered if he actually wanted the news that Reyes had to offer.

“What’s the catch?” Scott asked, because nothing on Kadara came for free.

Reyes shrugged.

“My shuttle needs some repairs, and I only trust one person to fix her up. Mind coming by tomorrow?”

Scott pretended to consider his offer for a moment, but in the end, he could never say no to working on that old bird.

“Name the time and place.”

“I’ll send you the details later, but don’t make me wait up.”

“And deny you of my presence for even longer? That would just be cruel.”

“Glad we can agree on something.” Reyes’s smile soon twisted into a frown. That solemn expression certainly didn’t do any favors to ease Scott’s nerves. “As for that intel, you’ve heard of Vehn Terev, right?”

“The poor, unfortunate soul whose head is next up on Sloane Kelly’s chopping block?” After all, she couldn’t afford to upset the angara, not after word spread of Vehn's betrayal. That would threaten the balance of power too much, at least in her eyes. “I might have heard a thing or two.”

“Well, you’re about to hear much more in the coming days,” Reyes explained, watching him closely for any sign of change. “I recently received a message from Evfra. Apparently, Vehn has some useful intel of his own, intel that could potentially cripple the kett’s operations in all of Heleus for good. Evfra has arranged for me to meet with one of his contacts about securing Vehn’s release from prison.”

“A difficult feat if Sloane won’t comply,” Scott noted, “but I still don’t see why this information would be of any use to me.”

“Scott—” Reyes hesitated.

For once, he seemed genuinely nervous, which in turn caused Scott to panic a little on the inside.

What he said turned Scott’s entire world upside down.

“The contact is Pathfinder Ryder.”

[favdream]

a while back, i was asked if addison remember everything that happens when she uses her powers, and how much control she has over the violence, and whether i think she'll get better control of her powers over time.

in truth, there are two answers to those questions, the first qualifying for when addison first fatally attack the two policemen who murdered her childhood friend and the second following her training with anthony .   the reason for this is due to how the affliction works, all cases we have seen of the children of the branch’s powers awakening within various people the same with one notable exception .   thus, this analysis will be split in two  :  one half which will be devoted to that first night, and the other for the rest of the time after she starts taking out the ambidrex 20 .   i will also make an entire paragraph dedicated to that last question, if only because we’ll be entering suppositions for a sequel, and mia has confirmed they won’t be returning to the series .   thankfully, we do have some information on what a sequel would have covered, so i’ll try to give my thoughts on the matter, especially because i have a lot of them .   as always, spoilers ahead.

before we begin on that first instance, let’s recap on what we know concerning the elder branch’s power, since we do know addison awakened her powers following her chance encounter with nick’s killers on the subway : the initial infection that is at the source of addison’s powers originally came from the flowers of a tree called the elder branch, a tree that was rumored to have grown from the light of a fallen star .   in the beginning, people used the tree’s petals in medicine , believing it to be a gift from the heavens .   for most, the flowers miraculously healed their ailments .   for others, it was a poison that drove them mad .   for some, it changed them into something not entirely human, something that defied reality  :  the afflicted, the ones tained by the blood of the dead gods, the children of the branch .

there is more to be said about the elder branch hierarchy and its history, but here’s the interesting part and what genuinely concerns the topic at hand  …  to gain such powers, exposure to the plant itself isn’t necessary .   the affliction is passed down through the blood , from parent to child or from vein to vein .   it lies dormant, sleeping, until its host suffers a trauma great enough to wake it and calls out to the gods for power .   

now , let’s focus on the afflicted whose awakening we saw aside from addison  :  in anthony’s case , his awakening happened during the war following a prayer for the strength to live during an ambush, his blood coming into contact with the scarlet queen’s at that moment and leading to his awakening .  irene, a survivor of two massacres, awakened in response to seeing her best friend go mad and turn into a hideous beast before watching her parents die right in front of her eyes alongside with others of her branch and so many more .   iris awakened after her husband passed down his affliction to her , the shadow bell power probably awakening as a result of seeing him bleed before her very eyes and die soon after .   jessica’s awakening was a result of her torture at the hands of tico , while owen’s was due to his kidnapping alongside watching addison dismember warren and his mother .  finally , while we don’t know much about what exactly made rita awake , we do know that her awakening was just as violent as those we did see happen  (  minus owen , who winded up fainting in my headcanon  ) .  

see a corrolation here ?  aside from jessica, owen and irene, who had almost no one in their proximity and in owen’s case was tied up, all awakenings are in general pretty violent .   anthony also points out that , when he did awaken , the world ran red and the frightened little boy he once was was now gone .   hearing those two cops boast about killing nick , and then finally seeing lake take out his side of their pendant , turned addison’s immense grief into a powerful , drowning rage —  to the point the power inside her veins reacted following suit and she gave in to it , her powers and herself going to town on the two .   she does , however , snap out of it and runs away , terrified of what she’s done though never discussing much of the details , meaning she probably only remembers killing them and not much aside from it .   that first kill , i’d say , was very instinctive , addison relying purely on her instinct and anger to do the deed , as henri points out when trying to come up with a theory before jessica’s wake .   in short , she doesn’t remember much from that first time nor did she have much control , the situation enraging her to a point she gave in to the vicious need inside to hurt those who wronged her and her friend .

after training with anthony , as well as agreeing to kill again in order to get rid of trent’s players and trent herself , addison tends once facing her victims to let her anger overtake her , most of her murders concluding in a horrific and preposterous display as well as showcasing a lack of consideration for human life .  she is , obviously , in control this time , only she fuels her rage through her actions and lets herself act on instinct , only taking it back at the end to pop the eyes out of their socket and write her calling card in her victim’s blood  .  as a result of this , not only are most of her kills very personal and uncontrolled , she is constantly on adrenaline , her rage considerately augmenting her strength despite her powers already giving it a boost powerful enough for her to tear a man into pieces using only her hands .  

however, addison is also prone to jumping head first into action , just like when she unapologetically threw herself on jessica’s kidnappers in the sixth issue of her story and when she threw herself on iris in the finale to protect jessica .  nonetheless , though impulsive and ruthless in combat or when performing a kill , she still keeps in mind her grandfather’s lessons when it comes to stealth and covering her tracks  —  something one can notice when she says she has been very careful not to be seen following jessica’s kidnapping  —  as well as his instructions on how to kill and handle multiple weapons when she chooses not to rely on her supernatural abilities or her hockey stick  .  for example , as we’ve seen , she knows how to use a gun , though both times were absolutely terrible for her considering the situation .   but yes , after that first night , addison does remember her kills , and while most of them don’t stick with her as she believes they were bad people and deserved it for all the wrong they’ve done , the one that stuck by her is perhaps her “murder” of jessica , which is the despair event horizon that causes her not only to see herself as a monster but also to abandon her previous goal in favor of a new one  :  protecting jessica at all costs .  most of this explanation also comes from my about , and are topics i do discuss from time to time , but unto that last question  !

so , do i think addison will get better control of her powers over time  ?  absolutely , for a couple of reasons  :  first of all , addison is very much a magical girl without a mentor to guide her  .  think sailor moon if luna failed to show up to give usagi instructions and knowledge  ;  it wouldn’t change the fact that she’d be immensely powerful and , with time , would learn how to control and channel it  .  in that aspect , addison isn’t that different from goro akechi from persona 5 , who was in the exact same position when he became a persona user himself , something the game does note .  addi is the same as him , only she is far more powerful in her home series due to the immense power the scarlet wing possess , even though she’ll never be as strong as jessica no matter what she does or tries  .  she will also , akin to sailor moon again , develop new forms as time goes on , her body being greatly affected by how she views herself when she uses her powers  .  a few examples are the multiple eyes she bear when facing tico and his partners in issue six , or trent’s lawyer in issue eight  .  there is also the beginning of her “final”  (  or , at least , the final one in the first series  )  form when she confronts anthony following her return home in issue seven , the grotesque , monstruous appearance she has a reflection of the guilt and anger she feels .  in the end , her monster form itself is an evolved transformation , though it is by no mean her final one  .  

i’ll eventually write a more elaborate meta about the meaning of transformation in tomboy and in regards to addison’s character , but yes , with each form , she does attain greater control over her powers  .  even in the comic , when she finally kills warren and trent , she is 100% in control , not letting her instinct control her this time but , rather , her desires .   she has , as she said , waited for this for a long time , i’m sure she has thoughts of how she’d like to kill trent .

[kaimelia]

enough for you (ch 4)

a/n: a bit. of a transition chapter so not particularly exciting but the type of conversation I love and also maggie and amelia <33333

--------------------

Her phone felt heavy in her hands, and she was sitting outside on the porch swing. The air was cold, far colder than she would've expected for late April, so she wrapped her cardigan around her body tightly.

She left a voicemail to Addison, informing her about what happened but was unwilling to return any calls. She had only responded to a text from Charlotte asking if she was sober, to which she only responded 'yes.'

Her phone buzzed with an email, and she frowned at it. She and Violet were never particularly close, so seeing the older woman's name on the screen was completely unfamiliar at this point. Amelia clicked on the notification.

Hey, I know we never stay in touch, but Addison mentioned how things have been rough, and I thought I would send this along. We're all here for you, Amelia.

Attached was a list of names, which Amelia soon realized was a list of therapists. More specifically, ones who specialized in addiction nearby. She took a deep breath.

It had been four days since Link proposed, since the wedding, since she felt her entire world collapse around her, and she still hadn't spoken to him. He hadn't made any attempt to see Scout, which was probably the most upsetting part about it.

A quick google search allowed her to narrow down the list of therapists, too old, too young, too aggressively masculine, too many sunset photos on Facebook. Until there was one name left, and she was dialing the number, and before she knew it, she had a virtual session the next day.

A car pulled into the driveway, and Amelia glanced up to see Maggie jumping out of the car and running towards her. "Amelia," she muttered, throwing her arms around her sister's neck. "Why didn't you tell me? I wouldn't have gone; I should've been here for you." Amelia simply shrugged.

"It was the happiest day of your life, Maggie; I didn't want to ruin that. Mer's been here for me."

"Have you talked to him?"

"Where's Winston?"

"Amelia, are you okay? I mean, this isn't just something you can ignore; these past few months have been hell for you, Amelia; why didn't you tell me that things weren't fine with Link?" Amelia sat back down on the bench, placing her phone on the armrest.

"I don't even know, I don't know what I'm feeling or what's happening. I haven't talked to Link since it happened, and I'm terrified that I'm going to lose him because of this, and I'm too scared to do anything besides taking care of Scout because that's the only thing I can focus on right now," Amelia muttered. Maggie felt a sense of relief at hearing her sister's infamous rambling. She took a seat beside Amelia. "Maggie, I don't even know how it happened, he just started slipping away from me more and more, and I didn't realize how far apart we had moved until he proposed, and I wanted to scream at him, but I just couldn't." She took a moment, breathing heavily. "I'm not quite sure what to do. My friend Violet, from L.A., sent me a list of therapists, and I made an appointment with one because I don't know what's wrong, Maggie, my thinking is just so dark, and I don't want to talk to Link until I know what's going on inside of my own brain."

"Do you want to go to a meeting?" The neurosurgeon shook her head slowly.

"No, I've been to plenty in the past few days. I just feel like I'm starting to talk myself in circles, you know? I mean, I don't know what Link is thinking or how he's feeling. I don't know what I want."

"You don't have to know. And don't feel like it has to include Link because you don't want to be with someone who's not going to respect what you need, Amelia." Amelia smiled softly and laughed quietly.

"Richard told me almost the exact same thing a few months ago," she brushed back a strand of her hair. "And the funny thing was, even though he wasn't telling me to, the first thing my mind jumped to was leaving Link. And I hate that my first thought was that because I want it to work with him. And Link is just, always so perfect, and I don't understand why I can't make it work."

"He's not always perfect, Amelia. I've seen him make plenty of mistakes, and I think you need to realize that he can be so incredibly wonderful and also be wrong about some things."

"I think I'll ruin him," she whispered, glancing down into her lap where she had subconsciously started pulling at her fingers. Link used to stop her from doing that whenever he noticed. He would lift up her hand and kiss it before intertwining their fingers to distract her. "He deserves someone who wants to get married and have a bunch of kids, and I just can't do that."

"Love and relationships aren't always a very straightforward thing. And, I'm not saying that you have to change your mind, but you'll find a way to compromise and make it work if you want. But, you don't have to." Maggie grabbed Amelia's hand. "I think it's really good that you're finding a therapist. I'm certainly not qualified to give you advice, so I'm glad you're looking for someone who can."

"I'm sorry that I ruined your honeymoon," Amelia said guiltily, wiping her hand under her eyes quickly.

"You would do the same for me, Amelia. I'm your sister, and I'm always going to be here for you, no matter what. You're more important to me than the corny tourist destinations I'm supposed to be at right now. Although, Winston is a little convinced that you're faking this and that I just used you as an excuse to come back and operate, so I might need you to cry in front of him." Amelia laughed through teary eyes, holding Maggie's hand tighter. "But, whatever I can do. If you want me to send Winston to beat Link up, I'm sure he will. If you want us to take Scout so you can disappear for a little while, we will." Amelia smiled sadly and leaned her head on Maggie's shoulder.

"Thank you, Maggie."

"It's what sisters are for."