#i'll see you all next time *two finger salute*

[demonbloodenthusiast]

dean "you give me just enough attention to keep my hopes too high, wishful thought forget to mention, when something's really not right, and i will block out these voices of reason in my head" winchester

and

castiel "cause you got her on your arm and me in the wings, i'll get your longing glances, but she'll get your ring and you will say you had the best of intentions" novak

thinking the other doesn't feel the same in 91w

[miriellesandthegiantpeach]

Re-Do | Bucktommy

Buck and Tommy are standing just inside Harbor’s helicopter hangar. There’s a duffle bag in Tommy’s hand and Buck is looking pensively at the chopper waiting for Tommy. It feels eerily similar to standing outside the LAX terminal saying goodbye to Abby all those years ago. Even though Buck knows that Tommy isn’t leaving indefinitely; it’s just a special deployment to Vegas because there’s a wildfire that’s gotten out of hand. Two weeks tops, then I'll be back, you won’t even have time to miss me. Tommy said to Buck as they drove to the station.

“Baby? Did you hear me?” Tommy asks and Buck comes back to the present turning to Tommy.

“Huh? Sorry, I was lost in thought-” Buck sighs.

“Clearly,” Tommy laughs and grabs Buck’s hand. “I should be going, I’ll be home in no time, okay? Thanks for driving me.”

Dropping his shoulders in a slouch, Buck breathes out, “Yeah, yeah, okay.” He pulls Tommy in close by the hand to kiss him soundly. “Come back to me,” Buck whispers against Tommy’s lips.

“Always, baby.” Tommy smiles at his boyfriend and understands his worries - Buck is used to being left, but he also knows not to bring attention to it. “I’ll call when I land, okay?” Buck nods, there’s still tension in his brow. “Hey, I love you. Miss you already,” Tommy says and presses one more hard kiss to Buck’s lips.

“Love you too, be safe,” Buck smiles and Tommy makes his way to the chopper, his hand staying connected to Tommy’s as long as possible.

Stuck in horrendous LA rush hour traffic, Buck gets a call from Tommy just over an hour after leaving him at Harbor. “Hey, babe. You landed already? That was fast. I’m still stuck on the 5.”

“Oh yeah, the perks of having access to a helicopter. Just touched down at the Vegas airport. That giant LED sphere thing freaks me out. It has a face on it and its eyes followed my helicopter as I flew by. Did you see the picture I sent?” Buck sneaks a peek at his phone and sees a picture of the giant dome on the strip from Tommy’s point of view, and sure enough the eyes of the face were looking straight up at Tommy’s chopper.

“It knew you were flying and wanted to get a good look at the hot pilot,” Buck laughs and Tommy scoffs.

“I don’t like it,” Tommy says, totally deadpan. “Huh? Yeah, my boyfriend,” Tommy says to someone else and it still makes Buck’s heart flutter hearing the designation coming from Tommy so casually. “Garcia says hi,” Tommy turns his attention back to Buck. “I’ll text later, just letting you know I landed safely, don’t miss me too much.”

“You know I will,” Buck says, putting on a whiney voice. “Talk soon, baby.” He hangs up the phone with Tommy and feels lighter.

Tommy was right, Buck didn’t have time to miss him between work and taking up Maddie on babysitting requests. Also Tommy is in constant communication with him; they text more often than when Tommy’s home. Tommy texts him updates on containment of the fire and silly selfies and Buck will send pictures of him and Jee doing various things like tea parties or coloring.

Ten days in, Buck is at the station fresh off the phone with Tommy. “How’s that Vegas fire?” Bobby asks.

“It’s about 70% contained so they’ll be releasing the out of state firefighters first," Buck says, unable to contain his giddy smile.

Buck is still looking down at his phone so he doesn’t catch Bobby’s knowing smile. Tommy called Bobby about two hours ago saying he’s on his way back and wants to surprise Buck at the station so don’t tell him.

Bobby checks his phone, seeing a message from Tommy that he’s five minutes away.

Still here, Bobby texts back, willing the alarm not to go off. They’re all up in the kitchen relaxing. When the five minutes pass Bobby goes to the railing and looks down and sees Tommy walk into the open garage. He immediately spots Bobby and gives him a two fingered salute.

“Hey, Buck seems like you have a visitor,” Bobby shouts over to Buck standing at the sink. Buck perks up and jogs over next to Bobby and honest to god gasps when he sees Tommy downstairs. He flies down the stairs, taking them two at a time like he can’t get to Tommy fast enough. “Oh my god, you’re here! I thought you’d said at least one more day!” Tommy catches Buck in his arms and stumbles a few steps with the momentum.

“Well you said come back to you, so I asked to be released early and they let me go,” Tommy says laughing into Buck’s neck.

The smell and feel of Tommy’s arms locked around him makes Buck feel at home, feel more grounded. With an arm locked around Tommy’s neck, Buck kisses him a little less chaste than probably appropriate for being at work, but he hasn’t kissed Tommy in ten days and needs to make up for lost time.

They break apart and Buck rubs his nose against Tommy’s smiling until his cheeks hurt. “Come up upstairs, everyone’s here, at least until the next call,” Buck says and pulls Tommy up the stairs by the hand.

Tommy settles on a barstool at the kitchen island and tells everyone about the job in Vegas; recounts all the exciting bits with enthusiasm. All the while one arm securely wrapped around Buck’s waist and gesturing with the other. Buck’s eyes never leave Tommy and his smile never falters, asking questions that spark more details and exciting moments of the trip.

“It’s been almost nine months and they still look like they're in the honeymoon phase,” Hen notes to Chim.

“That’s what happens when you find your person. Trust me I’m sure I look like that with Maddie and you look at Karen like that too,” Chim remarks. He discreetly snaps a candid photo of them and sends it to Maddie. Guess who’s back early, he texts the photo to Maddie.

***

Buck’s sits heavily on the couch- today was a long day to say the least. A call came in at 3am, on his 21st hour of his shift and as he was lowering himself down on a rope he slipped and grabbed the rope at the exact wrong time, dislocating his right shoulder. He screamed out in the white hot flash of pain and fell until the harness caught him. They used one of the ambulances to transport him to the emergency room.

Two hours later Tommy escorts him from the car into his house and onto the couch. Buck’s arm is in a sling and even with the pain meds the pain still radiates from his shoulder. Buck groans and leans his head back on the couch, just another injury that will put him out of work. His mind flashbacks to his whole leg in a cast and him being couch-ridden as Ali told him she can’t handle the risk his job comes with.

As he’s spiraling Tommy comes into the living room with a mug of hot tea for Buck. “Pain that bad, baby? You look miserable right now. I thought they gave you a good dose before we left.”

Realizing that his face is being way too loud at the moment, Buck softens his brow and opens his eyes. “Oh no, it’s dulled pretty good, I was just thinking about- you know what it’s dumb. Forget it,” he sighs and drags a hand down his face. Tommy sets the tea down and sits next to Evan on the couch, lining up their legs.

“Hey, whatever it is, it’s not dumb. However big or small, I wanna know what’s going on,” Tommy says to him and waits patiently for whatever Evan is willing to divulge.

”I- uh. It’s just, remember Ali? I was with her when the ladder truck fell on my leg, scared the shit out of her apparently and the day I got home from the hospital she broke up with me. She couldn’t handle the stress and worry that comes with the job,” Buck explains. He reaches for the tea just to keep his attention on something other than Tommy for a moment.

“I see. And I’m guessing this situation reminds you of that?” Tommy asks and Buck nods minutely. “Well, I hope you know I’m not going anywhere. I hate to see you hurt of course, but the nice thing is I know exactly what the risks are. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve dislocated something.” Buck finally meets Tommy’s eyes and sees a ghost of a smile on his lips. Something about Tommy’s unwavering steadiness and calm washes away any doubt Buck has.

Three days later Tommy catches Buck rubbing at the unkept beard coming in on his jaw. He wraps around Buck and quietly asks, “getting a little scruffy, I kind of like actually.” Buck laughs at that and reaches for his electric razor. The weight feels awkward in his left hand.

“It gets itchy like this,” Buck notes and frowns at the razor. Tommy releases him and opens the medicine cabinet and takes out a regular metal razor and shaving cream.

“Let me,” he says and maneuvers Buck so he’s turned around and leaning against the sink. Tommy spreads the foam gently and meticulously along Buck’s jaw, mouth, and chin. “The old fashioned way- always gets a closer shave,” Tommy says barely above a whisper.

There’s something so intimate about Tommy shaving him. Maybe it’s the way Tommy’s thumb and forefinger holding his chin, or the way his eyes are zeroed in on the path of the razor scraping down Buck’s cheek, or the way his eyes flick to Buck’s and causes him to smile or wink. It’s a simple act that makes Buck feel so precious in Tommy’s hands. Maybe he can stand the sling for a little while longer.

***

”Fuck him, Fuck him,” Buck spits out as he paces around Tommy’s kitchen. “That motherfucker thinks he’s above human decency!”

“You wanna tell me what happened?” Tommy says calmly despite the rising anger in his chest. He’s never surprised now about Gerrard’s new slight, but wishes he could shield Buck and 118 from that.

“It isn’t anything that can be reported really, it’s all the microaggressions, all his fucking snide ass comments. It just gets under my skin and makes me hate work,” Buck sits heavily at the island and groans into his hands. “I feel like he singles me out because he knows you and I are together. All these homophobic-adjacent comments, like he wants to rile me up and just UGH. Fuck him.”

Tommy hates Gerrard, but even more hates that he’s making his boyfriend miserable. An idea comes to him.

“I‘ll talk to the fire chief, remind him why Gerrard got transferred out of the 118 in the first place,” Tommy suggests. Buck looks up in a panic.

“No-no, that’ll only make things worse, you know how long these complaints take to actually make a difference. Once Gerrard gets wind of the complaints, he’ll get even worse,” Buck rushes out.

“Babe, if there’s a way I could help I want to, I can’t just stand on the sidelines while he’s making your life hell,” Tommy tries.

Buck stands and walks to the other side of the counter and smooths his hands along Tommy’s shoulders, seeing the tension release. They’re silent for a few minutes, searching each other’s eyes, trying their best to communicate all their worries and needs.

“Don’t,” Buck says with finality. Tommy huffs and presses his mouth into a thin line. “I know you want to fix this, but I don’t want you involved with him. Again. So, I’m asking you to keep this here.”

“Okay,” Tommy says with a nod and a squeeze to Buck’s waist. Buck thanks him with a kiss to the nose.

A week or so later Buck walks through the door exhausted and irritable. He’s making it a regular habit of going straight to Tommy’s after work because he needs the comfort of his boyfriend.

Tommy envelopes him in a tight hug, “I can guess, but how was work?”

“Shitty is the new normal. Gerrard will never change and I have to just get through it. At least everyone else hates him too,” Buck mumbles into the soft fabric of Tommy’s t-shirt.

“Ah yes, nothing like strengthening a bond by the power of collective disdain,” Tommy replies scratching down Buck’s back making him hum in response.

Buck realizes that nothing has changed since his last rant about Gerrard to Tommy and leans back to look at Tommy’s face inquisitively.

“Nothing’s changed,” Buck says. “You didn’t do anything.” At first Tommy’s confused but he remembers the conversation they had.

“I didn’t. You asked me not to. Did you think I’d go behind your back?”

You asked me not to. Like it was simple, like Tommy didn’t need clarification or a deeper reason. Just because he asked Tommy not to do something, he didn’t.

“I-I, I’m just surprised I guess? So many people think they know what’s best for me and go around me to do what they think is right despite what I’ve said.” Buck looks shocked but pleased. Tommy just smiles at him,

“I can’t speak for everyone, Evan, but I trust you. You know what you’re doing. Yes I always want to help and be there for you, but I know you’re more than capable of taking care of yourself. And I love you very much because of that.” Tommy pecks Buck’s lips.

“And I love you for listening and taking my word for it,” Buck grins, knowing that with Tommy he’s on equal ground. The irritation of the day is completely melted away and forgotten. Buck slides his hands up Tommy’s chest and shoulders to clasp his hands around the back of his neck.

”Now do you wanna listen to what I’m thinking about doing to you to let off some steam?” Buck quirks his left eyebrow and bites his lip, knowing Tommy’s eyes will follow.

Tommy leans in and noses along the jut of Buck’s jaw and says into his ear, “all ears, baby.”

[sarathrwizard]

I wrote a 9 part story that tells you exactly how my camping trip went!

I don't normally write novels, but I thought I'd give it a try!

For context, I went camping for a week and I wrote how my day went from beginning to the end. Every. Single. Day!

And of course I used tmnt characters. The story focuses on Donnies perspective, (aka me) and all the good and bad things that happened.

Oh how I wish I could have made some of this stuff up, but it is actually the PAINFUL truth.

So under the cut, you can read the first part titled, 'Arrival'

I don't know, I guess I'll call the series '7 Day Camp Stay' (it's the first thing I came up with.)

Hope you enjoy!

7 Day Camp Stay

Arrival:

'You spend too much time on technology!' They said.'

'You should go camping!' They said.'

'It'll be fun!' They said!'

'Well, here we are! Pitching tents at 10-o-clock at night at 41 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 5 degrees Celsius!'

Donnie internally screamed. knocked his knees together and folded in his fingers under his arms.

'I'm cold, I forgot to eat lunch, so I'm hungry as well!'

Donnie's stomach growled as a shiver ran up his spine. Leo saw Donnie hug his stomach.

"Uhh, guys? I think we should get those sandwiches made!"

Mikey raised an arm and saluted. He ran past Donnie and handed him a mallet. Mikey and Raphs tent was up. Now all they had to do was set up Leo and Donnie's tent. Donnie sighed and started putting up the tent. It wasn't too hard... except for the fact he drove the steaks through the wrong holes. Donnie groaned and drew the steaks out to be pounded through the correct loop.

Next step was feeding the fiberglass poll through the sleeve. He raised it up till both ends of the poll were set in place. Then the second poll... oh. you have to put both polls in while it's flat... of course.

Now Donnie was grumbling, like his stomach which did NOT have to remind him yet again how hungry he was.

Finally, he finished putting the tent up. He crawled inside and laid down. Looking up, he could see all the stars glittering the night sky. He felt so very tired. Donnie honestly just wanted to go to sleep in his nice, warm bed. But no. He was out in the cold in a thin fabric tent, and a stomach that was still screaming for food. Donnie groaned.

"Donnie! The sandwiches are done!"

Mikey called out. Donnie sat up and crawled out of the tent. Making sure to zip it up tight. The last thing he would want is a giant garden spider in his sleeping bag.

Donnie slowly walked over to the picnic table. The only light illuminating the area was from a small led lantern over head, hung on a pretty precarious nail. Donnie took his plate and sat away from under the swinging lantern.

Donnie looked at the food with a raised eyebrow. Between those two slices of bread was a funny little sandwich with turkey and avocado. It was... okay. To say the least. Donnie looked around to see everyone else smiling. But why wasn't he happy? Why did he not find joy from being in the outdoors? Why wasn't he excited to sleep In a tent like everyone else? Why couldn't he be happy? The thoughts and emotions were making it hard to swallow down his food. He quickly finished it though before anyone could notice.

"I-I'm heading to the restrooms."

"Okay, do you know where they are? do you need help finding them?"

"No! No... Raph. I know where they are. Thank you."

He grabbing the blue bar of soap in it's blue plastic travel container and rushed off to the nearest restroom. They weren't that far away. But in the dark, and with the wild dogs barking in the distance, it suddenly felt much farther than it actually was.

He rushed over to the men's side of the restrooms and opened the door, quickly slipping inside. The lights automatically turned on due to movements. It was clean, to say the least. The door slammed behind him, making him jump slightly. He rubbed his hands together, either from the cold, or his anxiety picking up a bit, he wasn't sure. He went into a stall and locked it shut. He crawled into a corner of the stall and curled into a ball, wrapping his arms around himself.

"I don't want to be here!"

Donnie whispered to himself. A small whimper escaped his throat.

"I don't want to be here!"

The whimpers soon turned into quite sobs. Tears started falling down his cheeks. He normally didn't cry, but everything felt wrong at that moment. Suddenly the restroom door opened with a loud creek. Donnie's breath hitched. He covered his mouth with his hands, hoping to stop any sound from escaping.

"Donnie? You in here?"

Raph called out in a calm tone. Donnie quietly took a breath in, in hopes it would steady his voice.

"Yeah, just... using the bathroom!"

Donnie's nose started to drip. Out of habit, he sniffled. This raised Raphs big brother tingles.

"You doing okay?"

"Yeah, yeah! I'm doing fine! Just... just give me a minute."

"Okay."

Raph slowly closed the door, gently latching it shut. Donnie took a deep breath in and rubbed his knees with his cold hands. He wiped the tears away with his coat sleeves and washed his hands.

Slowly he exited the restroom. Raph was there waiting for him. Donnie shifted his eyes to the ground.

"I'm fine."

Donnie confirmed. Raph lifted one of his arms out from his hoodie pocket and reached out towards him. Donnie slowly walked into his offered hug and excepted the brief touch. Raph wrapped his arm around Donnie and gave him a gentle shoulder rub. Raph wasn't going to ask questions if Donnie wasn't willing to talk about it. They walked back to the campsite. No words were exchanged.

Okay! Phew! That was a bit! But I hope you enjoyed it!

Stay tooned for the first actual full day at camp!

Lord bless you, and have a wonderful day!

Next

[cottonlemonade]

It's me again, could I get Menu B, with banana milk and mochi? I'll be sitting next to Tendou!

Thank for hearing me out ❤

Cleaning Duty

warnings: slightly suggestive, mdni

request: fluffy, cleaning duty with boyfriend Tendou, as manager

You looked incredulously at the closed door.

“Who thought it was a smart idea to make us two clean this classroom by ourselves?”

“Someone who severely underestimated how in love we are?”, Tendou suggested, snaking his arm around your pudgy waist, drawing you in for a kiss.

“Maybe they thought you could keep your hands to yourself for all of 15 minutes?”

“They obviously don’t know me very well then.”, your boyfriend smirked and leaned in for another kiss.

You gently pushed him away, “Mwuah. Come on, babe. 15 minutes. Let’s focus.” Clapping your hands twice you looked around the room, thinking of where to start.

“Who put you in charge?”, Tendou frowned.

“My natural charisma and leadership?”, you suggested as you collected two balled up scraps of paper and lopping them into the trash can in the corner, then walked over to the blackboard to grab a sponge.

“Nonononono.”, Tendou gave a pitying chuckle, “Out there you might be my boss, Miss Manager, but in here for the next 15 minutes -”, with a superior grin he snatched the sponge out of your fingers, “I’m in charge.”

“And how do you figure that?”, you scoffed, grabbing the broom next to the door instead.

“Duh, because they said my name first when assigning us to this room.” With long sweeping motions he began cleaning the blackboard.

“Oh, I’m sorry, my bad. - So tell me what to do, boss.”

Tendou halted mid-stroke and closed his eyes, letting out a dreamy sigh.

“You know I had this exact fantasy before.”

“Babe.”, you said in a warning tone.

“We were also in an empty classroom and had all the time in the world.”

“Satori.”

“Relax, it’s not what you think.”, he laughed and resumed his work, adding in a low voice, “At least not at first.”

A newly discovered paper ball flew across the room and barely made contact through the layers of his uniform. Your boyfriend, however, might as well have been wounded in battle.

He gasped. “Y/n, how could you?” With a lot of moaning and groaning he scooted down on the blackboard, making sure to add plenty of gurgling noises for effect, the sponge theatrically falling from his fingers as he reached the floor.

When you laughed he shot up again, grinning widely.

“I mean it, put the broom down.”

With a salute you did as instructed and joined him at the blackboard.

“And now?”

“Now-”, he said, grabbing you by your hips and, ignoring your protests, lifted you up to sit on the teacher’s desk, “you just sit there and look pretty. I got it covered.”

a/n: thank you so so much for the request 🌟 and for Tendou no less! I hope you enjoyed it 🌱

for requests see here

[normal-internet-user]

PURPLE SATIN

♡~~♡~~♡~~♡~~♡

Summary: You Know how much Donnie loved that satin jacket, so you asked your mother to help you sew him a new one.

Warnings: Very minor injuries.

Requested: No

GN Reader!

Disclaimer: I know nothing about sewing, so take everything I say with a grain of salt.

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

You winced as you poured peroxide over the new puncture wound on your finger.

Even under the supervision of your mother, you somehow managed to prick yourself like, every five minutes, and your hands were covered in band-aids.

It would all be worth it though. You couldn't wait to ses how Donnie would react when you give him the new jacket.

"(Name)! could you come here please, I need you to hand me the pins."

"Coming mom!"

You rushed into the kitchen of the apartment you shared with your mother, your father was out of the picture, so for as long as you could remember, it had just been you and your mom.

You sat down at the table, holding up two boxes of pins, "Which ones?"

"The second ones, please."

You handed your mother the pins she needed, then set the boxs back on the table.

"So when do I get to meet this, Donatello?" your mother asked you, smiling as she continued to sew together the purple fabric.

"Uhm, I'll uh- I'll have to talk to him about it, and-"

Your mother laughed, "Honey, honey, I'm joking! I can wait as long as you two need."

You smiled softly, "Yeah, right. thanks, Mom."

Your mom had been nothing but supportive in your relashonship with Donnie, even though she had yet to meet him. She had practically exploded with joy when you asked her to help you make the jacket.

You felt your phone vibrate in your pocket. Pulling it out, you saw that it was Donnie, "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear."

"Well tell him I say, hello."

"Will do, Mom." you smiled, then picked up the phone, "Hello?"

"Ah, hello my dearest darling. I was wondering if perhaps you were free this evening?" the smooth voice of your boyfriend sounded through your phone.

"Infact, I believe I am." you giggled.

"Wonderful! meet me at our usual spot, around... 8:30ish."

"Will do, dear."

"I'll see you soon then, darling."

"See you soon, Donnie. Oh! also, my mom says hi."

You heard Donnie laugh, "But of course! Send Ms. (Surname) my salutations."

"Sure thing, dear."

"I'm afraid I must take my leave, but I will see you tonight my love."

"See you tonight."

Donnie hung up the phone, and you smiled with a lovesick sigh. Walking back into the kitchen, you sit next to your mother. "Donnie, sends his salutations."

Your mother laughed, "He has quite the way of speaking, doesn't he?"

"Thats one way to put it. Also, I'm meeting him later tonight, around 8:30."

Your mother beamed at you, "What perfect timing, because I just finished the jacket!"

"Wait, really?"

Your mother nodded, and excitedly held up the finished clothing. You gasped, it was even better than you thought it'd be. The different shades of violet and purple looked amazing sewn together. On the back, there was a plethora of image patches sewn into the fabric, all science and technolgy related to favor into Donnie's interests.

"It's perfect, Mom! thank you so much! Oh my god he's gonna love it."

Your mom laughed again, "Well he better. Look at our hands!" Your mom held out her hands, wiggling her band-aid covered fingers. You laughed with her, gingerly taking the jacket from her.

"Go pack it up, and get ready for your date. I'll clean up ok?"

You nodded, kissing your mom on the cheek, then running to your room to wrap the jacket.

You placed the now folded clothing into a box, wrapping it in purple paper, then tieing a ribbon on top. "Perfect." you muttered.

You proceeded to get ready for your outing, putting on your favorite outfit, and fixing your hair. After doing a 180 in the mirror you, grab the box, and rush out of your room. You peck your mom on thr cheek as you run to the front door, "Bye, Mom! I love you!"

"Love you too honey!"

You closed the door, and as quickly as you could, left your apartment complex. Your sneaker pounded against the side walk as you approached the park you and Donnie usually met at.

Once you arrived, you collapsed on the nearest bench, breahing heavily, "I- I really need to work on my cardio, holy crap."

"You didn't even need to run, my dear. You are incredibly early."

You jumped as Donnie sat next to you, clutching the gift closer to you. "Geez, don't do that. you nearly gave me a heart attack."

Donnie chuckled, "I highly doubt that you nearly had a heart attack. I may have startled you a little bit, yes, but-"

"Dear, it's an expression." you chuckled.

"Ah- ehem, right."

You laughed a little, "Anyway, how are you? I haven't seen you in forever! I missed you."

"We literally saw each other yesterday."

"So? you obviously missed me too. You did invite me out after all."

Donnie opened his mouth to reply, then seemed to notice the box, "What is it you have there, my love?"

You suddenly grew nervous, looking down at the gift, "Uh- it's for you. Me and my mom, well, just- here." You handed him the box, and Donnie looked at you questioningly. Just as he was about tear the wrapping, he noticed your bandaged fingers, "Darling, what happened to your hands?"

Donnie set the box aside, pulling your hands into his own, gently examining your digits.

"Oh, don't worry about it, I'm fine! open your gift!" you say, pulling your hands away, and handing him the box once again, trying your best to hide your blush.

Donnie glanced at your injured hands, then began to slowly unwrap the box. He stopped abruptly once he saw the jacket, slowly taking it out of the box. His face was blank, amd it was nearly impossible to gauge his reaction. You bit your lip nervously, "It's ok if you don't like it! I just thought that, well, you really liked that last purple satin jacket, so I was like, 'Maybe I could make him a new one'- and so I asked my mom-"

You cut yourself off in surprise. Donnie had dropped the jacket back into the box, and pulled you in for a sudden hug. You held your arms up in surprise.

Then you gently hugged him back, and he hugged you tighter, "Is- is this ok?" you asked him softly, your hands on his shell.

Donnie nodded slowly, muttering a low, "Thank you."

You smiled and hugged him a little tighter. Blushing slightly harder. "Anything for you, Donnie."

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

This one is kinda bad, but eh. I like it soooo. Feel free to send in a request tho! I am running kinda low on ideas lol.

[witchymadness]

☆= The Life of Rio and Nicky =☆

[A/N: No Lilia content for today (maybe in the next part of this, who knows). I literally wrote this for 30 minutes, and this is probably me coming into terms with the last two episodes. There is going to be slight... Can I even call this angst? But it's fluff-topia, alright? Buckle up, ladies.]

"Mommy?" Nicky called out as her mother arrived home still in her green bodysuit, which Rio quickly magicked away, leaving her in her pyjamas.

Rio hummed, stepping into their little kitchen where Nicky had been eating the sandwich that Rio left her. "Yes, my love?"

"When will I see mama again?"

Tears stung Rio's eyes, the thought of their last encounter burning a hole through her heart. "Nicky, come here."

Rio hoisted the boy up, resting him on the counter. She bent down with her arms resting on either side of Nicky, so that their eyes met.

"Mommy, you said I could see mama again." The boy whispered, rubbing his eye.

"I know, baby. Mommy's sorry, okay?" Rio's voice broke. "I'm still trying to get mama to come home."

"Doesn't she want to come home?"

"N-no. Not like that Nicky."

Rio looked at her son's face, full of confusion, sadness, and even... Anger. It made her head spin at Agatha's audacity to leave them. To leave her family.

But she can't let Nicky be mad at her mother. After all Agatha did for him. And for her. But how was she supposed to explain to their child that she messed up? That her mama hated her mom so much that she lost her only chance at reuniting her with Nicky?

"Your mama... Lost her way home. And I'm trying to guide her, just like when I brought you here, right?"

Nicky nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich once more. He was a smart child, albeit he got Rio's soft heart. There was nothing in the world that he loved more than his mama, so much so that it even made Death a little envious.

"Is she almost here?"

The breaking of Rio's heart was audible that it rang throughout the afterlife. "Yeah..."

"Well then, I want to spend a little more time with you, mommy! I'm sure mama would want you all to herself when she gets here."

A broken laugh escaped Rio. And so did a tear or two. She was her son.

Rio fake gasped, "Do you think mommy would ever let that happen, my love?"

Nicky shook his head, laughing with his mother. Fingers slid to his sides, tickling him. "Mommy, stop!"

"Hmm..." Rio smiled. "You know, some of your mama's friends are here, my love."

"Really?" Nicky's eyes lit up. "Can I meet them, mommy? Please?"

"Alright, alright, put the puppy dog eyes away. I'll invite them over to our house, m'kay? Help me decorate!"

"We can bake too!"

Rio nodded, as she squeezed Nicky in her arms. "The cookie monster is going to get'cha!"

"No!" Nicky yelled, giggles spurring from his mouth.

"Okay, my love. You go get the flour, and the sugar. We can start baking, and while these are in the oven, we can go make the decorations, alright?"

Nicky nodded eagerly, saluting his mom before rushing off to their cupboard. "Ooh, my little trooper! So brave."

They worked in happy harmony, even if their flour got everywhere but their bowls, and if their sugar got into their mouths more than the mix.

"Down down down the road, down the witches road..." Nicky sang quietly as he mixed the dry into their wet.

"Down down down the road," Rio chimed in. The pain that the road brought her was irrelevant if it made her son so happy. "Down the witches road."

Rio smiled at him, taking the mix and putting it on his nose. "Mommy, stop!"

They set their cookies in the oven, taking their time to clean up their mess. After that, they'd decorated their living room with spooky banners and creepy spiders, Nicky's favourite horror movie, It, taking center stage.

And at the end of their endeavour, they were tired. Tired but happy.

"Do you think they would like it?

"They're gonna love it, Nicky." Rio kissed Nicky's flour-ridden temples, "And they're going to love you, my love."

Nicky returned the favour, kissing Rio on the cheek, two times. "And I love you, Mommy."

"I love you too, Nicky."

[httplilyyy]

𝐏𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 𝐊𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐒 || 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑

pairing: tara carpenter x reader

summary: the ghostface killings are happening again, but this time it's on a whole other level

warnings: descriptions of violence, guns, swearing, scream vi spoilers, bad writing

word count: 3.9k

a/n: sooo, i got bored and decided to give it a go at writing a series. this will follow the storyline of scream six and that means this will contain scream six spoilers so if you haven’t seen the movie yet don't read this, or do, if you want? :) 

scream masterlist | next part

001. pumped up kicks - foster the people

‘But he’s coming for you, yeah, he’s coming for you.’

“Oh shit, yes! Yes!-”

“Tara-” You groaned, looking up at the ceiling.

“I know.” Tara huffed, getting up from her spot on the bed.

She made her way to the door, slamming it open before shouting at her roommate, Quinn. A ‘sorry’ got sent back along with a ‘we’ll be quiet’ causing the two of you to voluntary eye roll, knowing that wasn’t true.

“You’re going to get so many noise complaints one day.” You chuckled, sitting up as you looked over at Tara, shutting the door behind her.

“Don’t.” Tara said, pointing a finger at you in an accusing way which made you laugh.

“At least she’s getting some.” You muttered, sending a condescending smirk to your best friend.

“Oh, I'm sorry you have such a high sex drive.” Tara replied sarcastically, sitting beside you.

“Only when you’re near.” You rebutted, causing Tara to grimace.

“Shut up.” Tara said, bumping her shoulder into yours, hands covering her face.

“I’m joking, I’m joking.” You laughed, holding your hands up in mock surrender.

“I don't know how I put up with you.” Tara mumbled, getting up from her position, opening up her wardrobe where her halloween costume was.

“You love me.” You said, dragging out the ‘o’ in love, a smile displayed on your face.

“I tolerate you.” Tara said, looking over her shoulder.

“I'll take that.” You shrugged, getting up as well and making your way next to Tara, taking your own halloween costume in hand.

“Chad and Mindy will be here soon so hurry up and get ready.” Tara said, beginning to take off her top.

“Jesus, a warning next time.” You exclaimed, slapping your hand over your eyes.

“We’ve known each other for years, stop being an idiot and get changed.” Tara sighed, shaking her head at your antics as she let a small smile grace her features.

“Yes boss.” You mumbled, sending a salute her way before getting into your costume.

The two of you were quick to get ready and before you knew it the doorbell rang. Chad and Mindy stood at the door, grins plastered on their faces as they hurried the two of you outside.

Tara told Quinn she would be back later and her response was ‘yes’ but you all quickly interpreted it as a moan. Rushing out of Tara's apartment, the four of you made your way onto the streets of New York.

As each of you continued your walk to the frat party, you were stopped by Jason wanting to talk to Tara.

You didn’t pay attention to their conversation, wanting to get some alcohol in your system as fast as possible. Tara bid her goodbyes, joining back up with you, continuing on the way to the party.

As soon as you stepped through the door to the party the smell of cheap booze and sweat overrides your senses. Making a beeline for the drinks table, you poured yourself a random concoction which was mostly alcohol.

After you were happy with your drink you mingled with a few other people. Chad went off and met up with Ethan and Mindy went off to see her girlfriend, Anika.

Not realising it, but you had left Tara when all she wanted was to be by your side. The younger Carpenter didn’t really enjoy larger crowds since the incident last year, always preferring to have you by her side.

Shoving and pushing through a mass amount of people, Tara made it to the drinks table, where you once were. She had a couple drinks herself, before going off to talk to some other people.

After having enough social interaction, deciding she needed more alcohol, Tara walked back over to the drinks table once again.

You had your eye on her the whole night, making sure she did nothing that she would regret in the morning and you soon realised that she was approached by someone, immediately recognising who the person was.

His name was Frankie and he had quite the reputation of being a fuckboy, never treating a woman respectfully and only wanting them for a good time.

Not liking the idea of where their conversation could go, you left the people you were with and made your way to her.

Drink still in hand, you watched as Frankie dragged Tara through the house. Anika tried to talk to Tara but she shrugged her off, continuing to follow Frankie, hand in hand as they walked towards the stairs.

Jaw clenching in anger, you pushed through more people making your way to Mindy and Anika.

“What the hell is Tara doing?” You asked, steam practically coming out of your ears as you gripped onto the red cup in your hand.

“By the looks of it, going to hook up with that guy.” Mindy said, an unpleasant look on her face.

“Fuck!” You exclaimed, clenching your jaw, you quickly followed after Tara, placing your drink down on the way.

The two of them watched as you stormed away from them in hopes of catching up to Tara, knowing that they may need to get Chad.

They searched the house for Chad and they finally found him standing with Ethan. Anika quickly told him that he was needed and the three of them followed Mindy who was making her way after you.

“Hey dude!” You shouted, watching as Frankie and Tara stopped on the stairs, turning to face you. “How about you leave her alone, huh?”

“Sorry, I don't think I heard you clearly.” Frankie replied, a small smirk on his face.

“Tara’s good down here, don't you think?” You said, a little louder knowing he heard you perfectly fine the first time, nodding your head to the younger Carpenter.

“Hey, no, y/n, it's fine, I want to.” Tara said, stumbling down the stairs towards you.

She stood in front of you, swaying from side to side as she placed her hands on your shoulders. You shook your head, moving your eyes away from Tara for a split second and onto Frankie, which involuntarily made you clench your jaw.

“See, y/n, she wants to.” Frankie said in a mocking tone before turning back up the stairs where he took a hold of Tara’s arm and made her trip.

“How about you get your fucking hands off her.” You said through gritted teeth, pulling the boy away from Tara and down the stairs.

Frankie tumbled into the wall opposite the stairs but he quickly recovered and made his way towards you. Just as he was about to push you back, Chad stood in front of you and shoved Frankie.

Tara pulled you back towards her where she rested against your arm, desperately trying to get the boys to stop pushing and shoving each other.

“Guys, yeah hi, sorry to interrupt,” Sam said pulling Chad and Frankie apart before turning to Frankie, “I'm just gonna tase you in the balls real quick.”

Sam pulled out her taser and within a millisecond Frankie had doubled over and was writhing on the floor in pain.

“Don't ever lay hands on my sister.” Sam threatened, looking down at Frankie.

“You fucking bitch!” He spat out, clutching where Sam had just tased him.

Tara stumbled out of your arms and took a few steps in front of you. She swayed a little so you placed your hands on her waist, making sure that she wouldn't fall over.

“Sam, are you fucking kidding me?” Tara shouted, laying one of her hands over yours, steadying herself. “You’re stalking me now?”

Tara looked at her sister, letting out a scoff before making her way out of the house. She gripped your hand harder as she pulled you outside along with her.

The younger Carpenter rushed down the street, you following in tow, trying to keep up with her. For someone so short you were surprised how fast she could walk.

At multiple points along the way, you had tried to get her to stop and calm down but it was no use. That was until you jogged a little closer to her, taking her hand in yours and pulling her around so she was facing you.

You held both her hands in yours, resting them on her chest as it heaved up and down. Your bodies were close, almost touching.

Looking into her eyes you watched as hers darted everywhere else other than your face, her lips were slightly parted, breath fanning over you as she tried to calm herself down.

“Hey,” you said softly, “look at me.”

“Why would she- I can't-” Tara rambled breathlessly.

“Calm down.” You smiled, pulling her into you.

She wrapped her hands around your waist and buried her head in your chest. You held her tight against you, feeling as she slowly decreased her breathing, back to its normal state.

You parted slightly, holding her shoulders, watching as a few tears fell from her eyes. You raised a hand and your thumb gently swiped them away. For a moment it seemed as if it was only the two of you and nobody else. But that moment was ruined when you heard Sam call after Tara.

“Tara!” Sam shouted, walking up to you both as Chad, Mindy, Ethan and Anika followed behind her.

“I can not believe you did that, you embarrassed me.” Tara shouted, moving away from your grasp.

“That guy was a dick, he was going to take advantage of you.” Sam said, pointing back behind her, gesturing to Frankie.

“So?” Tara snapped.

“So?” Sam repeated, shock evident on her face.

“If I want to hook up with an asshole, that's my decision.” Tara exclaimed, pointing to herself. “It's my decision.”

“Okay.” Sam sighed, trying not to roll her eyes.

“It's not about you, I mean- you're out of my life for five years and now you can't leave me alone for five minutes.”

“Because you are not dealing with what happened to us.” Sam remarked. “Have you even gone to see the counsellor? Once?”

“No, I'm not going to.”

“Why not?”

“Because I'm uninterested in living in the past like you are.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Okay, Tara-” You tried, reaching for her but she just pushed you away.

“It means I'm not gonna let what happened to us for three days define the way I live the rest of my life.” Tara exclaimed, continuing the argument with her sister.

“So you're just gonna pretend it never happened?”

“What are you doing here, Sam?” Tara asked after a deep breath. “In New york? I mean you're working two shitty jobs and you help out or whatever but what's your plan?”

“I-” Sam stuttered, trying to think of something to say.

“I know what I am going to do, okay cause I'm gonna keep going to college and I'm gonna get my degree and I'm going to live my life.” Tara said, pointing to herself again. “My life!”

“Tara come on-” You tried again.

“Y/n, God! Shut up! You’re just like Sam! You both follow me and wont let me out of your sight.”

“Wha-? Hey, we’re just trying to look out for you.” You said, shocked that she snapped at you.

“I- I know, I know you both are but Sam, you can't do it for the rest of my life though. You have to let me go.”

“Hey!” Some random woman shouted, coming over to you all before she threw her drink over Sam. “Murderer!”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Sam questioned, pushing the girl into her friends causing you and Chad to quickly hold the older Carpenter back.

“Bitch.” The woman uttered, standing back on her feet.

“You got a problem with me?” Sam exclaimed, raising her arms in question.

“You guys should stay away from her, she knows what she did.” The woman said, pointing at Sam before walking away with her friends.

“I didn’t fucking do anything!” Sam shouted, trying to wring her shirt out.

“Okay, walk away Sam, walk away.” You said, gently pushing her away from the woman.

“I’m fine, y/n.” Sam sighed, looking up from her shirt and at Tara walking away from her again. “Go after Tara, before she breaks something in the apartment.”

“She didn’t mean anything she said, you know.” You smiled, trying to reassure her.

“Go.” Sam said, sending a small smile back and you gave her a nod before doing as told.

Once you finally made it back the door to Tara’s apartment was shut so you spent at least five minutes knocking on the door before someone heard and opened the door for you.

“Hey, where’s Tara?” You said just as Quinn opened the door.

“Oh! Uh- I think she wants to be left alone for a little while.” Quinn replied.

“Is she in her room?” You questioned, walking past her.

“Yeah but- y/n!” Quinn said trying to catch up to you before you got to Tara’s room but she was too late.

You opened Tara’s bedroom door and you were met with Chad and Tara leaning in for a kiss.

“Woah! Sorry!” You said, surprised, eyebrows raising in shock.

“Quinn!” Tara exclaimed, looking at the woman who was peaking over your shoulder.

“I’m sorry! I tried to keep them away!”

“You knew?” You asked incredulously, turning around to face Quinn who sent you a sheepish smile.

“Sorry.” Quinn winced.

“Unbelievable.” You muttered.

“What do you want, y/n?” Tara wondered, making you turn back to her.

“Oh uh- nothing.” You said, sending her a small smile as you rubbed the back of your neck. “I’ll leave you two to it.”

You backed out of her room, closing the door behind you but before it shut properly you heard Tara call out your name.

“Yeah?” You hummed, poking your head back in her room.

“Chad, could you give us a minute?” Tara questioned, turning to look at the boy beside her.

He gave her a nod with a small smile and left the room with Quinn, shutting the door behind him, leaving you and Tara together.

You stayed standing by the door, not really knowing what to do with yourself. You looked around Tara’s room but never looked at her.

Tara sighed and patted the space beside her on the bed, you obliged and sat down. Not knowing what to do you stayed quiet, playing with your fingers in your lap.

Tara instantly felt guilt creep up her, knowing that she was the reason for the tension between the two of you. She gingerly reached out her hand to touch yours but pulled back just before they could touch.

“I’m sorry.” Tara said quietly, it almost came out as a whisper. “I didn't mean to snap at you.”

“It's okay.” You smiled. “You were angry at Sam and I got in the middle of it.”

“Still-”

“It doesn't matter, it's all water under the bridge.”

“I may have told Sam to back away but I don't want you to.” Tara said, turning to face you.

“I’m not going anywhere.” You replied, taking Tara’s hand in yours. “You’re stuck with me.”

“Thank you, for not letting me go up those stairs.” Tara said quietly, resting her head on your shoulder.

“It’s no problem.” You smiled. “I doubt he’s very good in bed anyway.”

“True.” Tara snickered, thankful the two of you were back to normal.

“So you and Chad, huh?” You teased, knocking your elbow against Tara's side, causing her to remove her head from your shoulder.

“Oh, no, I don't like him like that.” Tara chuckled, causing you to cock your head to the side in confusion.

“But you were going to kiss?”

“No, he was just trying to get something out of my eye.”

Hearing Tara say that you felt the little green eyed monster crawl back to its hiding place and you let out a small sigh in relief.

You’d never tell Tara what you were feeling right now, especially since you’ve been friends since you were little. It wasn’t until after the events in Woodsboro where you started to develop feelings for her. Feelings that went a little more than friendship.

Unbeknownst to you, whilst you were caught up in your own head, in the other room Anika turned up the tv, showing the news.

Quinn ran back into your room and ushered you and Tara into the living room. Confused, you both followed her.

As you walked into the living room, you quickly noticed how everyone’s eyes were on the tv. Showing a man who was talking about how two university students were killed.

Looking to your left you caught Sam’s eye and you knew what was going to happen. You shook your head silently telling her to back down but she didn’t listen to you.

“Pack a bag, we leave in ten.” Sam said, before she walked off to the kitchen.

“Sam! Wait- Sam!” Tara called out as she followed her.

“We’re getting out of the city.”

“Sam! Hold on. Let's talk about this for a second!” Tara said. “Cause this might not have anything to do with us.”

“Are you serious?”

“It's a big city. It's halloween, everybody’s wearing masks.”

“Tara, this isn’t a coincidence.” Sam cut in. “You knew him.”

“Barely.”

“Chad, Mindy, y/n back me up.” Sam said, gesturing to the three of you, but you stayed quiet.

“I mean it is a little bit-” Chad started.

“Close to home.” Mindy finished off.

“See.”

“Quinn, your dads a cop, right?” Tara asked after a beat of silence. “Can you call him and find out what’s going on? Before you make the unilateral decision to abandon my college education and flee the fucking state.”

“I’m calling him now.” Quinn said, dialling her dads number.

“Thank you.” Tara said.

Suddenly Sam’s phone went off on the table causing everyone to turn their heads towards the sound, stopping in their tracks.

“Who is it?” Tara questioned.

“Why did everyone just freak out when her phone rang?” Ethan asked, confused about the whole situation.

“You gotta keep up my dude.” Anika huffed, leaning closer to Mindy.

“Sam, my dad wants to talk to you.” Quinn said, passing her phone over.

“Mr Bailey, hi.” Sam said, pressing the phone to her ear.

“Hey, Sam. I was actually just about to call you.”

“My sister thinks I am properly overreacting.” Sam said, causing Tara to roll her eyes.

“Unfortunately you're not.”

“What do you mean? What's going on?” Sam questioned, eyes darting at everyone in the room.

“I'm afraid I need you to come down to the station.”

“I'll be there in a sec.” Sam replied before hanging up the phone and passing it back to Quinn.

“Wait what's going on?” You asked, standing beside Tara.

“I’ll be back soon, I just need to do something.” Sam said, not giving away what she was doing.

“Are you going to tell us anything or..?” You continued, watching as the older carpenter got her keys, phone and put on her coat.

“I won't be long.” Sam smiled before walking out of the apartment.

You huffed, throwing your hands up in the air, not realising that Tara was also putting on her coat.

“Tara, no-” You started, walking towards her, trying to stop her from walking out too.

“Stay here, I'll be fine. Sam will be with me the whole time.” Tara said, placing her hands on your chest and pushing you backwards. “I’ll be fine, trust me.”

“If I don't hear from you-”

“I know, you’ll come and find me.”

“Please be safe.”

“I will, I promise.”

Tara gave you one last smile before she left the apartment too. Due to both Sam and Tara leaving, Mindy, Chad, Anika and Ethan decided to leave too. After everyone had gone it was only you and Quinn in the apartment.

You told her you would wait in Tara’s room till she got back and you got a hum of acknowledgement from Quinn as she rummaged around in the fridge.

Sighing to yourself, you flopped onto Tara’s bed. Staring at the ceiling you tried not to fall asleep and just as you were about to drift off, your phone rang.

Thinking it was Tara, you immediately answered without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello?” You answered.

“Hello, y/n.”

Body tensing, you realised whose voice it was. You pushed yourself to the end of Tara’s bed, eyes scanning around the room for anything suspicious.

“What do you want?” You questioned, hand tightening around your phone.

“Two things actually.”

“Oh yeah, and what’s that?”

“One, for everyone to know your secret-”

“My secret? What the hell do you mean by my secret?”

“And two, I want to see you suffer.” A chuckle passed through the phone.

“Well come and get me asshole! I’m right here.” You said through gritted teeth, raising an arm up beside yourself.

“Hmm, tempting. But I've got my eyes on someone else.”

“Spit it out then motherfucker!”

“Someone you seem quite fond of.”

The line disconnected and you felt your heart rate accelerate, practically beating out your chest. You threw your phone onto Tara’s bed, hands running through your hair.

“Fuck!” You shouted, quickly grabbing your phone, putting on your shoes and running out of the apartment.

Running down the flight of stairs you barged through the doors and onto the streets of New York. Your head snapped from side to side to try and find any sign of Tara.

Suddenly you heard a loud bang, one that sounded a lot like a gunshot. You ran in the direction that it came from and you were met with a corner shop.

Looking through the glass on the door you spotted someone wearing a ghostface costume, holding a shotgun as they looked around the store.

“Tara.” You whispered, watching as the ghostface’s head snapped to something of which you didn’t know.

Using that as an opportunity, you made your way into the store. Realising it may not have been your smartest idea, you quickly hid for cover.

Thinking of a plan in your head, you decided to move fast, hoping to distract the ghostface.

You rounded a shelf into another aisle where you came face to face with ghostface, luckily for you their back was turned and they walked away and into another aisle.

Letting out a quiet sigh of relief, you felt your body get a little lighter until you saw Sam and Tara crawling your way.

They stopped dead in their tracks once they saw you, shock evident on their faces.

“Get ready to run.” You mouthed to them and you put your hand up, stopping their protests. “Trust me.”

They gave you a nod and you made your way towards them, being as quiet as possible. You made sure the Carpenters were behind you when you made a small amount of noise, letting the ghostface know where you were.

Just as they stepped in front of you, in another aisle, you used all of your strength and along with Sam’s help, the two of you had pushed the shelf over and onto the ghostface.

A gunshot rang out and the three of you made your way out of the store. Police cars surrounded you and you felt Tara tug you closer to her so she could rest against your side.

As the three of you looked back at ghostface, they weren't there, only a ghostface mask on the floor with the back door swinging backwards and forwards.

[badasgirlfriend]

Stolen Hoodie | Bada Lee Social Media AU

pairings: bada lee x shin nari

prev - masterlist - next (smut)

a/n: THE LONG AWAITED SMUT IS HERE huge thank u to @mikaleialt for writing it ily bae😩🫶

"Can you pass me the red lipstick?" Yunjin asked Nari.

Nari nodded before applying some extra lipstick onto her lips.

The two friends were currently in Yunjin's room, squished together at her makeup desk. While they were getting ready for the Halloween party, that was being held by Aeri

Yunjin looked at Nari, she couldn't help but give her a flirtatious grin. "You look hot," she said teasingly. "You're going to drive someone crazy tonight."

Nari blushed at the comment, and with a boldness in her voice, she responded back. "You mean I'll drive everyone crazy"

With a roll of the eyes and a light laugh, Yunjin elbowed her best friend jokingly both of them laughing

Sure thing! Here's one attempt at a possible rewrite:

Bada decided on the pair's Halloween costumes, opting for Lola Bunny and Bugs Bunny, an idea that Nari instantly approved of without hesitation (a little). The look consisted of tight white shorts with a white pom-pom on her bottom, making it resemble a bunny scut. She also wore a crop top jersey with "Tune Squad" written across it in bold black letters, along with white bunny ears to complete the whole thing.

Nari was impatiently waiting to see how Bada would look, for some reason she couldn't imagine her girlfriend with bunny ears in her head.

"Alright, sexy vampire, let's go!" Nari said, grabbing her friend's arm and pulling her out of the makeup desk.

"Wait I still need to add more re-" Yunjin started, before both of them were cut off by a shriek. They looked over to see the door, where Yunjin's mom stood with a camera in her hand.

"You girls look beautiful!" she said, gasping as she took a picture of the two friends.

"Oh come on, Mama, more pictures" Nari pleaded with the woman in the door, giggling as she started to pose.

Yunjin looked on with a fond smile, remembering how her mom and Nari's moms were close before the sad passing of Nari's mom. Since then, Yunjin's mom had insisted that Nari call her "Mama," and it felt right for both of them.

"Mom, come on, we need to go," Yunjin whined, but her mother kept ignoring her and continued to take pictures.

"Shush, Yunjin"

"Yes shush Yunjin" Nari replied with a mischievous smile. Yunjin stuck her tongue out and pinched Nari's arm. Both girls erupted in laughter, their mother snapping a picture in the background.

Yunjin's mom smiled sadly at the picture, the two girls reminding her of her old friend and herself. It was a bittersweet moment, though the laughter of the two girls made it slightly better.

Yunjin looked on at the time on her phone, her eyes widening. "Crap, we're gonna be late,"

"Alright, Yunjin, I don't want you to come home drunk, alright?" her mother said, wagging her finger at her before turning her attention to Nari. "You too, Nari," she added, a serious look on her face.

They both saluted, grabbing their bags before heading out the door, Yunjin giving her mother a quick kiss followed by Nari doing the same.

As they exited the house, they hopped into Yunjin's car, finally driving off

"You've seemed so much happier lately," Yunjin said to her friend with a bright smile. "And I'm so happy for you, you really deserve the best."

Feeling grateful, Nari hugged Yunjin tight and shared her own smile. "Thank you," she said softly, and with the boom of the music heard from afar, both friends began to make their way towards Aeri's house, excited to see all of the various fun costumes at the party.

The girls were nearing Aeri's house, and the music was heard from meters away, booming throughout the entire neighborhood. A variety of costumes were on display, some deemed scary while others were considered cute.

"As always, Aeri is the best at parties," Yunjin awed at the Halloween setup that filled her house. She parked her car further from the house

"One thing about her, she'll never disappoint for parties," added the brunette, her eyes taking in the sight of the scary clowns that added to the party's spook factor. From the music to the costumes to the decorations, Aeri never failed to impress with her fun parties.

The girls got out of the car, Nari fixing her ears as Yunjin fixed her hair.

Nari checked her phone to see if she had any messages from her girlfriend, and she did!

Bada told her she had arrived, making Nari nervous, either because of their matching outfits or her impatience to see how her girlfriend looked in the costume she picked out for them. Perhaps it was a mixture of both feelings, or the fact that everyone will know by the end of the night that they're dating. It's obvious

"Look at this sexy bitch" a familiar voice shouted, spanking Nari's ass.

Giggling, Nari turned to Aeri and looked at her costume. She had a red wig that gave her a hot look, as well as a blue sparkly dress with matching wings. "Okay miss Enchantix

Aeri gasped giggling, already tipsy. "How did you know?" Nari snorted back, pointing out her red wig and wings

Aeri hugged Yunjin and held her close "And you are... a bunny?"

Nari whined and moved to one side as lots of people came pouring in, both upstairs and downstairs flooding as everyone entered. "I'm Lola, hello, isn't it obvious?" she said with a roll of her eyes and a playful wag of her fingers, pointing to her Tune Squad top.

The red headed girl paused, thinking to herself for a moment before saying "I think I saw someone wearing the same thing, I honestly don't know." She looked at Yunjin, still in thought, before adding with a giggle, "What a shame that you aren't a real vampire."

Yunjin scoffed, flicking her head and laughing. "You're already drunk, idiot."

"Move your asses to the dance floor," the blonde girl said, taking Aeri's hand and dragging her onto the middle where everyone was dancing.

Nari smiled and headed over behind the two, looking at them. Tatter was wearing a dark turquoise bodysuit with a long blue cape, and she had her hair tied up in a tight, high ponytail. She looked exactly like Icy

Yunjin whispered into Nari's ear, trying to make herself heard over the loud music. "Let's go find the others," Nari nodded in response.

As the two made their way through the crowd of revelers, they went to the kitchen in search of the others from their little friend group. There, they saw Lusher on the counter, Yeonjun in between her legs, and Bada leaning back on a fridge, a red cup in her hand.

Everyone's eyes were on the bunny girl, both boys and girls alike, glued to her movements as walked in. But Nari was focused on a particular tall girl in a Tune Squad jersey with white shorts and bunny ears, matching her own. Her eyes were only on the tall beauty. She looked amazing, even more so when she was engaged and focused. Nari was taken aback by the pace at which her feelings were growing, feeling her heart race as she looked over at the dancer

Although she had experience in relationships before, what she was feeling towards Bada was unique and new. She never felt anything like this for anyone else. The feeling it gave her was scary, yet exhilarating. Everytime she was close to Bada she felt this rush of energy fill her, like she couldn't breathe, her heart beating loudly and quickly. It was as if she was in a dream and living in the moment.

The two approached the group, the brunette girl casually flicked off Yeonjun's hat, much to his surprise. He turned towards her with a furious glare, yet his gaze quickly changed as soon as he recognized Nari, his eyes softened

"Hey, loser," Nari said with a smile, teasing Yeonjun.

He groaned and put his hat back on, yet his expression remained soft "You just had to ruin it didn't you"

Nari shrugged, looking towards Bada for a moment, only to find her girlfriend already staring at her with a smile

The moment Bada saw her, she couldn't take her eyes off her. Nari looked absolutely dazzling, with her tight white shorts and the white jersey. Bada found herself almost hypnotized by her looks, and she knew that spending the entire night with Nari was going to be the highlight of her year.

She took in every intricate detail of Nari's face, finding every single feature beautiful. The way she smiled and laughed, it was as if one simple move could brightening her entire soul it was absolutely breathtaking.

Bada couldn't help but marvel at her beauty, and it made her want to take Nari in her arms and kiss her right there in front of everyone.

She put her arm around Nari's shoulder and pulled her in for a hug, whispering in her ear, "You look perfect." As she did so, she snuck a quick, kiss on her cheek.

Nari had never been someone to blush, at least on the surface, yet her past month with Bada had led her to find her cheeks flushing with a blush whenever they were together.

"You look perfect too," Nari said quickly and softly, getting lost in Bada's eyes and smiling. For both girls, it was as if their world had been paused, with no one else around them but the two of them in that moment. All that mattered was the time they were spending together, and for now, it was enough for them.

Until her big mouthed friend decided to ruin it

“Stop eye fucking each other"

Lusher couldn’t help but gasp, annoyed, and smacked Yeonjun’s arm "Yeonjun I swear"

Nari turned to face them, but as she did so, Bada's arm immediately wrapped around her waist. The subtle but clear move didn't go unnoticed by Lusher, who stood nearby, watching their every move with a smile on her face. "You two look really good"

Nari gave Lusher a wink, leaning into Bada's body as she did so. "Thanks, babe you too. If you ignore Yeonjun"

"Fuck you"

"I'll shove that ratatouille hat up your ass"

"Okay, let's show these losers how you play," Nari yelled, hand in hand with Bada. They stepped up to the table, 10 cups filled with beer directly in front of them. The crowd cheered and the music was pumping, all eyes were on the four girls.

"Can't wait to see their faces when they lose," Tatter said, her words a little too loud. She watched Nari and Bada's reactions with excitement, seeing that their competitive side was coming out. The duo chuckled at her bold comment, and they looked more determined than ever to win.

"She can't even finish a can of beer," Bada laughed, pointing at Tatter

"THAT WAS ONE TIME"

"Alright," Nari clapped, getting everyone's attention. "Let's start don't even bother picking the ball!"

She grabbed the small yellow ball and closed one eye, focusing on the cups. Her tongue poked out slightly, and Bada watched her with a smile, cute

Nari took a deep breath, and focused in on the task ahead, but her eyes kept focusing back to Bada. Finally, with all the confidence she could muster, she threw the ball, and that was it. The ball, going perfectly into the cup, and the entire room went nuts.

The moment she felt the familiar touch, she knew it had to be Bada. From the subtle perfume to the warmth of her embrace... it was impossible to mistake her for anyone else.

She pulled her in for a tight hug, and Bada kissed her on her hair, and she couldn't resist smiling at their little moment.

"Drink! Drink! Drink!"

Tatter and Aeri rolled their eyes in an amused way. Aeri grabbed the cup and immediately drank it up, to the cheers of the crowd.

"Good job"

Hearing Bada's whisper in her ear, Nari felt a shiver go down her spine. Oh she's fucked

Aeri cheered for Tatter as she warmed up, grabbing the ball and throwing it. Her throw was perfect, and it landed square in the cup, causing another round of cheers. Bada shouted "Cheater!" as Tatter gave her the middle finger.

As the game continued, Nada stayed in the lead while Taeri struggled because of Aeri's intoxication. It was Nari's turn to throw again, and this time she was feeling more confident. However, when she felt Bada's fingers lightly brush over her waist, she was almost caught off guard. It was unexpected, and it sent a slight tingle of excitement through her body.

She looked at Bada, who was looking at her with innocent eyes. She couldn't help but notice a slight slyness to her. It was a subtle yet playful look that made Nari feel a certain way. Bada wasn't even trying to hide it

"Throw it already, yall can fuck later," Aeri shouted impatiently as Nari rolled her eyes. With a laugh, Nari threw the ball and made the shot, causing Bada to shout, "Drink up!"

Tatter smirked and whispered something in Aeri's ear, causing her to smirk as well. Nodding, Aeri grabbed the cup and took a sip, then grabbed Tatter's face and kissed her. The beer in her mouth was passed to Aeri, and the two of them were now sharing it.

"GET IT!" Nari screamed, hyping up them up

"Ya'll will do that next if I shoot the ball perfectly," Aeri said, causing Nari to immediately hush up, and making Bada blush at the thought.

Bada and Nari didn't see a problem with their actions, after all, they were a couple, and it was what they did. But no one else knows and with the kiss everything would be confirmed

"We don't have to," Bada muttered, so only Nari would hear.

Nari shook her head quickly. She was done hiding

"No, it's okay. The Nada Nation needs to be fed," Nari smiled, winking at Bada.

"Nada nation?" Bada asked with a grin.

"Well yes, we have fans. Keep up, Bada."

"DRINK AND KISS, HOES!" Tatter screamed with excitement, jumping all over the place. The teo girls were so focused on each other that they missed the shot Aeri made

Smiling, Nari grabbed the cup. As she stood there, the moment felt almost magnetic. Everyone's eyes turned to them. Everyone was patiently waiting and anticipating the moment when they'd actually drink and kiss. It was something the fans had always been waiting to see, since their beef on the early days

Nari turned to Bada, her eyes never leaving her girlfriend's. Bada was going crazy with the way Nari was looking at her. The mess of hair, the almost faded lipstick, everything about her looked so hot. Bada was growing impatient by the second, as she could feel herself succumbing more and more as the moment drew closer.

When Nari lowered the cup, Bada wasted no seconds. She grabbed Nari's face and their lips smashed together. Fire and passion. Nari's body almost quivered with excitement and desire as she wrapped her arms around Bada and pulled her closer. It was as if nothing outside mattered. Only the two of them existed in that moment, and they were completely lost in the moment of lust and passion.

Bada bit Nari's lip, causing her to reluctantly open her mouth. With her mouth open and her lips parted, Bada took the chance to slip her tongue in, She felt the cold liquid of the alcohol on her lips. They were both losing themselves in the moment feeling each others tounge, and a rush of desire filled both of them.

As they parted, Nari didn't hear everyone cheering. Aeri and Tatter were shaking with excitement as they shook each other's arms, their mouths wide open in shock.

Yunjin, Tatter, and Lusher all shouted, the three of them shocked by what they'd just witnessed. They couldn't believe their eyes.

Nari waved her hand, her face as red as a tomato. Bada was no better. "Alright, we're done see you later, we don't give paragraphs" she said, grabbing Bada's arm and moving past everyone who was still cheering.

At that moment, "Buttons" by the Pussycats started playing. Bada's gaze turned to Nari's, and she let out a tiny smile. "Your favorite song"

With the music in the background and the atmosphere around them buzzing with energy, Nari held her girlfriend's hand tightly as they joined the crowd on the dance floor.

Nari raised her hand with Bada's, and the two of them started moving their hips slowly as they danced. Bada grasped Nari's waist with her free hand, pulling her closer grinding on each other

Nari locked her arms around Bada's shoulder, singing along to the lyrics. She leaned in, and their bodies were almost touching.

She started feeling even more overwhelmed with the heat of the moment. She wanted to get closer to her girlfriend, to feel her warmth and body next to hers. She wanted to be as vulnerable as possible, and she couldn't help but move her hips in a way that would drive her lover crazy.

Bada groaned, her eyes closing as the heat between them heightened. She became lost in the moment, and her sinful thoughts became even more intense. The movements of Nari's body were driving her wild, and she felt like she was losing all control over herself.

Her hand moved slowly over to Nari's ass, gripping it lightly. She kissed her neck softly and slowly, moving her lips up to her jaw.

Nari let out a soft moan, feeling her lover's lips as she moved higher.

Bada's lips moved close to Nari's, but she didn't kiss her. Instead, she playfully kissed the corner of her lips.

Nari whispered pouting "You tease."

Sure! Here's a more fun and romantic version:

Bada began laughing, pulling Nari closer. Nari put her head on Bada's shoulder as they stayed like that, comfortable and relaxed (horny too)

Nari pulled away from Bada, who's eyebrows furrowed as "I need to go to the bathroom," she said with a small smile.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, no, it's fine. I'll be back in two minutes," Nari replied with a wink.

But then it dawned on her. The person who had grabbed her arm was xiaothing, but her signature cherry red color was gone. Her hair was now black, and a new look that suited her well.

Nari placed her hand over her chest as she giggled. "You scared me," she said with a smile.

Xiaothing smiled back. "Sorry, I saw you across the room and I had to get to you." Her hand was still on Nari's arm, and she let out a light chuckle as her eyes stayed glued to Nari's face. "You look so good, girl,"

As they started talking, Nari completely forgot about her original intention of going to the bathroom and her girlfriend that she had left behind. She was so caught up in the conversation with Xiaothing that she didn't notice the person glaring at the black haired girl with jealousy from across the room

taglist: { @itstrashjustrash , @starryelling , @tikitsune , @yumtooki , @jesuschrist2006 , @senjuslashes , @sparksinsirius , @asweetcollide , @italiekim , @stella222 , @mikachacha , @deadgirlwalking3 , @yunjinified , @itsbokutosjuicyass , @kaaylvst , @manooffline , @aloneinacity , @rubywonu , @pansies-garden , @tswisal1 , @maximoff-jp , @yoonkiscutie }

[cantcompetewhereudontcompare]

Louis - the Liam Gallagher cosplayer

I said my next project would be Louis as a homophobic bully - with proof. But the hard proof I have is in a hard drive I can't access right now, so I'll leave that for later (but it is coming as soon as I can).

I thought instead I'd tackle a huge thing that's been bothering me, especially in light of the Oasis reunion.

I'm personally a huge fan of Oasis, and everything about Louis regarding Oasis annoys me, but particularly these two things:

He's not an actual fan and never was. Just a casual listener who's marketing himself a certain way to appeal to a certain audience

He's attempting (rather embarrassingly) to be a copy-paste version of Liam Gallagher

I'll divide this into two parts, and this first post will be about point #1, because it'll be too long otherwise.

Anyone who was a fan of One Direction in their early days would know that Louis' Thing, the music he said he enjoyed, was Top 40 radio. He can act like he's an indie rock band enthusiast all he wants, but that's just simply not true. In fact, that was HARRY'S thing throughout his time in the band.

Fans called him a hipster (the whole Frat Harry thing came later, at the time, in 2013, fans said he was a hipster). And Louis LITERALLY mocked him for liking "obscure" bands.

Here, March 13 2013, One Direction's Take Me Home Tour in Dublin. They read Twitter questions and answered them on stage. The question was "What's the number one song played on your iPod?" and Louis introduces the question to Harry with "Harry, got any indie bands we haven't heard of?"

Here's the video. The question is at 2:06, first he talks to Zayn, then Niall, then at 2:36 to Harry.

This isn't a one-time incident, but it's one I distinctly remember (because I went to multiple shows of that tour and followed it closely!) and can physically point out. It happened multiple times. It was a Thing Louis mocked him about constantly. Keep in mind, Louis was 21 when this happened, a fully developed grown adult who had been in the industry for three years and was a professional musician.

Why do I say this? Does it bother me that he mocked Harry? No, that's just banter lmao. But what bothers me is that a few years later, he would rebrand as someone who enjoyed indie music, as an indie musician himself, who enjoyed and propped up unknown bands. And his fans would act like Harry was the popstar who made and enjoyed shallow music and Louis was a rock connoisseur all along.

At 21 Louis... distinctly wasn't that person - he also wasn't that person at 22, or 23, or 24, he started being that person in 2017, when he decided to craft his entire persona around being a Donny chav who gave you a two-finger salute and wore trackies to red carpet events.

Louis didn't even try to act like his musical style was indie rock back then. in the early 2010s there was a type of social media called Ping where you could log in songs that you liked. It was connected to your Twitter account and your iTunes account. Because in late 2012 (Louis was almost 21, might I add), it was about to shut down, a fan (a Larrie) documented the whole thing in screenshots. Here's the post. Of course they make everything about their conspiracy, but the account was legit (connected to his verified Twitter account) and the post made the rounds on normal Tumblr, so I remember seeing it at the time and saving it because it was interesting.

Some of the songs that he added to his Ping:

Thinking of You, Part of Me, Wide Awake, and the entire Teenage Dream album by Katy Perry

Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars

Look After You by The Fray

Someone Like You by Adele

Far Away by Nickelback (he got this as a tattoo lol)

Who Knew by Pink

Bedshaped by Keane

I'm With You Avril Lavigne

Take Care by Drake

Yellow, Shiver, Talk, Fix You by Coldplay

Moves Like Jagger and Payphone by Maroon 5

It Girl by Jason Derulo

Without You by David Guetta & Usher

Love Story and We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift

Domino by Jessie J

Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt

Titanium by Sia and David Guetta

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye

Turn Up The Music by Chris Brown

Let's Go by Calvin Harris

Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me by The Killers

We Are Young by Fun.

Stop And Stare by OneRepublic

She Moves In Her Own Way by The Kooks

Basket Case and Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

I Miss You by Blink 182

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous by Good Charlotte

Bright Lights (the album) by Ellie Goulding

Believe (the album) by Justin Bieber

Naive by Lily Allen

Imagine by John Lennon

How We Do (Party) by Rita Ora

All of these songs are heavy rotation radio hits. I'm not sure how many people will see this post, if any, but if it happens upon any young Gen Z or Gen Alpha eyes, who happen to not know some of these, they're literally just... the most played songs on the radio at the time, and Imagine by John Lennon (which was the only song older than 2000 in his entire Ping).

The only bands he has on this entire log, are Two Door Cinema Club, who you might say "oh wait, that's indie isn't it?" except they reached #2 in the UK albums chart in 2012, when this log happened. Literally following trends once again. Same thing goes for Owl City, it's a somewhat indie project, but they had a big hit (certified Diamond and hit #1 in the UK and the US), Louis logged in the project immediately after this song made it big. A bunch of John Mayer songs, who in 2012 was hyper-mainstream. Or the #1 album Coexist by The XX. And songs from the #1 album in the UK Contrast, by Conor Maynard. That plus the incredibly mainstream hits by some more rockish bands (I'm surprised he didn't log in American Idiot by Green Day) and pop. That's it.

What about Oasis? It's there.

Stop The Clocks - a greatest hits record.

Stop Crying Your Heart out - literally the #3 most popular song of theirs on Spotify

Little By Little - a huge hit off one of their latest albums (33 million YouTube Views, 85 million Spotify plays)

I'm sure he enjoyed himself some Oasis. He was a British boy growing up in the late 90s and early 2000s. It'd be weird if he didn't. But he never talked about going to see them growing up (he was 16 when they played in England for the last time). He logged in just one album, and it was a greatest hits. He logged in two songs, and they were both huge hits. He logged in a ton of songs by Coldplay, or Katy Perry. Hell, he has more songs logged in for DRAKE than Oasis.

It's obviously not definite proof, but he had that Ping account for two years, and all his iTunes purchases or likes showed up. I also don't remember him mentioning them in any particular way throughout his time in the band. Nor him mentioning going to see them. Or wearing their merch. Or...

Despite both Liam and Noel having a Twitter account as far back as 2009/2010, Louis didn't follow either of them until 2017

So that in and of itself is bizarre for someone who in 2017 would give a million different interviews specifically mentioning Oasis and Liam Gallagher, right?

But the most egregious part of his pretend act, is that he's just flat out wrong about Oasis in and of itself.

First of all, in every single interview he mentions Oasis, he singles out Liam Gallagher. You can look it up, because frankly, there's so many interviews where he does this that I could probably be here forever. He talks about Liam Gallagher so much it's almost obnoxious (and we'll get on to that in part 2), but he almost never talks about Noel. Who he mentions is Liam. Even though he says Oasis was a huge part of his inspiration as an artist, who he mentions is Liam. And this is in the context of Oasis, as a band who inspired him growing up, not Liam Gallagher as a solo artist. OASIS. Liam.

To the uninitiated on Oasis, Liam is my favorite because he's great. He's funny, he's charming, he has a distinct voice that makes Oasis stand out. He's a mean tambourine player. But to name Liam as your inspiration when you admire Oasis, as a musician, is akin to doing that with Ringo and The Beatles.

Just so we're clear, this is the writing credits for their debut album:

Their second album

Third album

Shall I go on?

Liam doesn't play instruments, except the maracas or the aforementioned tambourine. Noel:

Just:

You have to actively ignore everything about the band to pretend that your inspiration, musically, as a musician, is LIAM GALLAGHER if you actively like Oasis. What the hell are we talking about?

To be clear, Louis didn't say in these interviews that he admired Liam's vocals (which he could never in a million years imitate, and I beg him not to try), or attitude, or charisma, or fucking tambourine expertise. He talked about lyrics, and music, and songwriting. And yet, he never mentioned Noel Gallagher. IN THE CONTEXT OF TALKING ABOUT OASIS.

Listen, I fucking hate Noel Gallagher. He's a c*nt. But I happen to like Oasis, and I know, despite how much I despise him, that Oasis wouldn't exist without him.

So why did Louis mention Liam??? Well, two main reasons.

His fans don't give a fuck. They don't care about his musical opinions because they're not fans of his music or him as a musician. It's why they don't listen to it. They're fans of his status as a purported underdog or the conspiracy theories surrounding him, or rate him as a part of the band they once liked. Some of them pity follow him. He could say his musical inspiration is Miley Cyrus because of how well she plays banjo and it'd make absolutely no difference for them. Also, most of them are musically illiterate and would find a way to justify anything he says, despite being completely nonsensical, if they even listen to him in the first place.

Because of #1, Louis has been on a quest to capture a specific type of audience. He tried to capture the 1D audience with Just Hold On and Back To You (which are songs that are actually up his alley in terms of the music he consumed). But despite being his best commercially performing songs, they failed to actually and significantly move the needle. And he saw the writing on the wall even in the middle of promo for Back To You. Which is why he gave up trying to be commercially successful with that crowd and has been relentlessly trying to shift his audience.

It's why he wears sweatpants and sneakers everywhere, why he called himself a chav in 2017/2018, why the horrible haircuts, why the constant smoking and drinking in promo pics, why the pivot to "actually, I'm a die hard indie enthusiast" even though four years prior he mocked his bandmate for that exact musical taste. It's why he markets his own music as indie, rock, etc, even though it's decidedly not. It's why he does the photoshoots he does, hires the people he hires, and has the bands he has in his narcissistic "festival."

It's put-up on. I suspect it's partially borne out of deep insecurity and wanting to appeal to the type of guy he went to school with. I think his mates, despite enjoying the wealth of 1D's success, took the piss out of him for being in a boyband. This is pure speculation, but we're talking about the guys who openly retweet Andrew Tate (Nizam Kabir), or mocked his singing voice in his ex girlfriend's posts...

Let's actually expand on that, Hannah Walker, Louis' ex girlfriend, uploaded a video to her instagram account singing with a sore throat. It was captioned "sore throat singing" and this is what one of his "best friends" from childhood, Calvin Rodgers, commented on it:

This wasn't some gentle banter either, this was around a point in time where Calvin and Louis weren't hanging out (2013/2014). I actually saw Hannah's post and the comments a few years ago, but her account has gone private since.

"Calvin (unprompted) In theory, the singing wasn't AS flat as Louis" another friend (Dan Woollet) replies "Fair point" to which Calvin replies "Not only fair, but true." Hannah replies "controversial."

Louis cheated on Hannah with Eleanor (I can do a deep dive on that later), and at first Hannah didn't know, so she and Louis were on good terms, but she has been openly very negative about Louis ever since late 2011.

Calvin is also a musician, by the way. His comment was fair and true. Louis' singing IS flat. I doubt he'd say that to his face when he's on good terms with him, especially because he greatly benefits from Louis' money and status (his friends have mooched everything from access to events, to paid vacations on yachts by being with him, to outright jobs). But from things Louis has said in interviews, such as "I don't have a skincare routine because my friends would make fun of me" or "if I showed up wearing designer clothes my friends would never let me hear the end of it," it does seem like he has this need to fit in and seek approval from these idiots. I'll never understand it, and I'm not going to try and psychoanalyze him (and he doesn't wanna do therapy because he's too good for therapy anyway), but I think he wouldn't be seeking this audience otherwise.

His attempts have clearly failed. His music is consumed less and less. He's at 2.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Just so we're clear, Spotify has a chart of the most monthly listeners per artist, where they chart the first 500 artists from 1 to 500. #1 currently is The Weeknd with 107M. #2 is Billie Eilish. Harry is #53 without having released music in 2 and a half years (which is amazing).

The #500 is Lynyrd Skynyrd with 16,147,684 monthly listeners. Louis would have to gain 14 MILLION monthly listeners to be at the bottom of the list. That is SEVEN TIMES the total amount he has right now. That's how bad it is.

His fans don't listen to his music. They're just incredibly annoying online because their idea of stanning him or being his fan is Twitter, and TikTok, and some of them on Tumblr and never shutting up despite having zero actual arguments to back anything up (which is why I'm venting on this blog, and potentially giving Harries tools to shut these idiots up because I know how annoying they are).

I think he's still trying to market himself this way because deep down he still wants the acceptance of his high school buddies and other men like them, and his idea of cool is (deluding himself into believing to) have a career that his buddies would actually respect (as opposed to 1D).

To close off this part of the post, I'll leave with the worst part. How do I know he's not and was never a fan of Oasis? How do I know that he's lying when he says they were his inspiration as an artist?

Well, this:

He said variations of this multiple times in multiple interviews. He bashed metaphors a ton, for instance:

“[So how you classify your genre?] Oh, that’s a big question. Wow, that’s hard. In terms of what I’m looking for from a production point of view, I want things to sound organic and live. Not too many programmed instruments. I want it to feel authentic. From a lyric perspective, almost like indie-pop, very conversational. All these sexy metaphors people put in their music? I ain’t got time for that. I like it straight to the point. It’s hard to classify it as a particular genre.”

Source.

Here's another he gave for MTV:

Though "Back to You" is certifiably pop, Tomlinson grew up loving guitar-based rock bands, he said, and that when it came time to sit down and create solo music of his own, he found inspiration in the acts from his youth: mainly Oasis and Arctic Monkeys, both from Northern England (like Tomlinson). "The way that they write I've always found very interesting because, you know, if you look at a pop song fundamentally, lyrically it's very different to the conversational style that Arctic Monkeys or Oasis might use, and that's exciting to me," Tomlinson said.

All I can say is.. What the actual fuck is he talking about?

Obviously I have a lot more that I can say. But. WHAT?

Let's ignore Arctic Monkeys, because yes, I would absolutely call "honest and to the point" early Arctic Monkeys. Honest meh, because early AM was so conversational and so casual and about such mundane things that honesty wasn't really a factor, but whatever. It was incredibly to the point. BUT OASIS? OASIS??? Honest and to the point? OASIS?? OASIS??

Just so we're clear, the most mainstream song Oasis has ever released is Wonderwall. Everyone knows that song, correct? What the fuck is a wonderwall? That is not A WORD.

The word "wonderwall" came from a George Harrison album. And the lyrics have absolutely nothing to do with it. The song itself is a "Hollywood-esque song" that talks about "some unfathomable crazy love story."

The entire premise of wonderwall is that one person who's always there for you, but told in an abstract metaphorical way. That is by definition the opposite of what Louis said he wanted and liked.

In fact, Oasis FAMOUSLY worship the ground The Beatles walk on. Hell, Liam named his kid fucking LENNON. One of the most known facts about The Beatles was the amount of fucking NONSENSE they wrote in their lyrics. I Am The Walrus?! Like, this is music 101. Louis you are supposed to be a musician (yet play no instruments).

The second most mainstream song by Oasis is Champagne Supernova.

This is a verse from that song:

Wake up the dawn and ask her why A dreamer dreams she never dies Wipe that tear away now from your eye Slowly walking down the hall Faster than a cannonball Where were you while we were gettin' high?

Exactly what part of this is honest and to the point? I thought he hated metaphors?

Remember the songs he Pinged? Let's see those lyrics.

Little By Little

'Cause little by little We gave you everything you ever dreamed of Little by little The wheels of your life have slowly fallen off Little by little You have to give it all in all your life And all the time I just asked myself why, you really here?

I'm gonna go insane. What the fuck did he mean by "honest and to the point" immediately after saying the word "Oasis"? Is he OKAY? Is he having a stroke and smelling colors? How else can he describe this as "honest and to the point"?

The other song was Stop Crying Your Heart Out

Hold up Hold on Don't be scared You'll never change what's been and gone May your smile (May your smile) Shine on (Shine on) Don't be scared (Don't be scared) Your destiny may keep you warm

I'm swimming in directness and honesty here, you guys. I can't believe how to the point these lyrics are! Metaphors? Never knew 'em! Soooo conversational!

But maybe I'm cherry picking songs, and the rest of Oasis' discography actually fits what Louis said, right? RIGHT?!

Let's look at Stop The Clocks, the Greatest Hits album Louis pinged back in 2012. Literally the first verse of the songs in order. Just so we're very clear.

Rock 'N Roll Star

I live my life for the stars that shine People say, "It's just a waste of time" Then they said, "I should feed my head" That to me was just a day in bed I'll take my car and drive real far They're not concerned about the way we are In my mind my dreams are real Now you concerned about the way I feel Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star

Some Might Say

Some might say that sunshine follows thunder Go and tell it to the man who cannot shine Some might say that we should never ponder On our thoughts today' cause they hold sway over time

Talk Tonight

Sittin' on my own, chewin' on a bone A thousand million miles from home When something hit me Somewhere right between the eyes Sleepin' on a plane, you know you can't complain You took your last chance once again I landed, stranded Hardly even knew your name

Lyla

Calling all the stars to fall And catch the silver sunlight in your hands Come for me and set me free Lift me up and take me where I stand She believes in everything And everyone and you and yours and mine I waited for a thousand years For you to come and blow me out my mind

The Importance of Being Idle

I sold my soul for the second time 'Cause the man don't pay me I begged my landlord for some more time He said, "Son, the bills are waiting" My best friend called me the other night He said, "Man, are you crazy?" My girlfriend told me to get a life She said, "Boy, you lazy"

Seriously I wanna sit down and ask this man what the hell he was talking about. How can he, with a straight face, say that LIAM GALLAGHER was his musical inspiration growing up because of the lyrics of OASIS, and how straight and to the point, devoid of metaphors, they were. It's the most nonsensical talking point I've ever heard. If he was even remotely relevant the way people would've laughed their head off at him saying this would´ve been diabolical.

He said Oasis and Arctic Monkeys because they fit the persona he wanted to build (even geographically).

There are SO many actual indie bands from up north who write the type of lyrics he claims he likes, but he's too lazy to actually do research into this put-upon image he chose for himself (I hardly think a competent group of people was behind any of it).

He changed his hair, his facial hair, his clothing style, the way he talks, walks, the words he says, how he stands in front of a microphone, his facial expressions, the aesthetic surrounding him, even the people and teams he hired for his career, to cosplay Liam Gallagher. This isn't a case of inspiration. Inspiration is normal. It happens in art every single day. Everything we do is an amalgamation of stuff others have done before. Everything is invented. I want to make it very clear that I don't find any of that problematic in any way.

But Louis is an inch away from wearing the skin of Liam Gallagher as a winter coat. I'll actually dive deep into that in a second part of this post, because it really does go SO deep.

And I sincerely doubt he likes him or his music all that much. He just likes the idea of people viewing him like they view Liam and the "respect" he would get from men.

[writerofadream]

Fortune favors the Bold ⛓

TDI!Duncan x Juvie Bestfriend! Reader ⛓

Chapter Four: Dinner is Served (Or is it lunch?)

One year ago

"How the hell did you get a pack of cigs in here?" Duncan turned around to see his girl stalking up towards him. She wore the similar orange jumpsuit, and had her hair tied back into a harsh looking hairdo. "I'm just special." He shrugged getting her to roll her eyes.

"Want one?" He asked his best friend. "When have I ever said yes to that question?" She gave him the 'look' as his fellow inmates had dubbed it. "I hope one day you realize how much that affects your health, Duncan Tarun."

"Are you worried about me, L/N?" He teased her. "If anything I should be worried about you." She sat down next to him as they looked out at the yard. "You sure know how to put a downer on things doll." He muttered his fingers tapping nervously on his thigh. "Your dad died, today, one year ago. I killed him because you came to my house almost dead, Duncan. You have to be feeling something." The girl sounded more annoyed at herself then him.

"I've told you a hundred times, I wanted you to kill him. He was hurting my mom. If you hadn't done it, I would." Duncan explained. It was silent for a moment before she reached out for his hand, he took it without a second thought.

"I don't blame you for your anger. Your anger has kept us alive countless of times, Y/N. Without you my dad would've killed me at four. You are worth losing everyone." Duncan squeezed her hand as her head plopped down on his shoulder.

"Aren't I the one supposed to be comforting you?"

"We're best friend, doll. It's what we do."

---

Present day

Chris had you all crowded into the small cafeteria as clearly, very angry man started yelling. "Listen up, I serve it three times a day, and will eat it three times a day. Grab your tray, get your food and sit your butts down." Chef Hatchet yelled at the line of campers.

"He seems like a nice guy." Duncan muttered to no one in particular causing you to stiffle your laughter. "Got something to say, smart ass?" Chef yelled at Duncan as you grabbed your plates, the food looked almost sentient.

Yum..

"No, sir." Duncan stood straight to attention doing a mock salute and you had to pinch your thigh to stop yourself from laughing. "I'll be keeping an eye on you. No one likes a smart guy." Chef growled ushering you both off.

"You are going to get your ass beat, you know that?" You hissed in his ear causing Duncan to laugh. "I bet you'd like to see that, darling." you both sad across from Izzy who waved cheerfully at you.

As Duncan stabbed his food to keep it from wandering off, you on the other hand just let it leave. It was probably healthier to just simply not eat it. Then Chris walked in. "Welcome to the main lodge." He announced to the eating campers.

"Yo, my man can we order a pizza?" Geoff asked before a knife slid inches from his face embedding itself into the door. "Woah, it's cool G, brown slop is cool. Right guys?" Geoff replied nervously as Chef Hatchet sent a terrifying glare his way.

"Mine had a redish tint, actually. But too each his own." You muttered causing Duncan to chuckle. "Your first challenge is in one hour." Chris announced walking back out. Katie (Or was it Sadie) voiced her concerns but DJ quickly quieted them.

When you all finished Chris had you meet at a top of a very large hill wearing swimsuits. He told the girls to cover up before going so he'd get videos of the girls in swimsuits.

It was creepy, but whatever got the job done. You had pulled your hair back into a french braid that fell down your back, and wore a maroonish-purple two piece swimsuit, you felt insecure about your stomach being on live television so you stole Duncan's jacket to have around your shoulders and zipped up high enough to cover your stomach.

"Your first task is to jump of this 1,000 foot high cliff into the lake." Chris explained the task, talking about man-eating sharks, and hoops or whatever. Frankly, you were bored. After you had finished the challenge he wanted you to build a hot tub which didn't sound very fun, but you know.

Bridgette went first as you and Duncan discussed which one of you would go next. Two dudes went, then Eva and you smiled before flipping onto your hands. "Wait, don't jump into the water with my jacket." Duncan warned you.

"Make me." You stuck your tongue out, still upside down as you walked toward the edge of the cliff, you then made a half heart symbol with your fingers causing Duncan to groan, and fell backwards down the cliff whooping for joy.

Duncan leapt after you.

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------

You both landed in the safe spot, easily. Then Harold came down, and landed on his crotch screaming like a little girl. "Well that's cute." Duncan muttered his hand finding itself around your waist. You smiled leaning into his arms before he unzipped the jacket, bolting off with it.

"DUNCAN!"

You ran after him, you were screaming curses. "How long would you say they've been together." Courtney asked Bridgette. "Oh, probably a long time. I wouldn't be surprised if they were married." The blonde shrugged. "That's fair." Courtney laughed quietly as they watched you tackle Duncan you both wrestling in the sand.

Eventually you pinned him down, both of you breathing hard, your faces red. "Your so pretty without the sweater, embrace yourself." He explained before you could hit him.

"Fuck you."

"You wish, cutie."

[h-c-u]

Eye of the storm pt 3

Summary: You start to think about other things than your father's death, and Beau helps, without even realising how much. Oh, and there is a first kiss in this one :)

Pairing: Beau “Cyclone” Simpson x fem!reader (Iceman’s daughter)

W/C: 9.1k

Rating: PG, age gap, canon character’s death (Tom Kazansky)

TWs: Grief, unnamed ED, Panic attacks.

A/N: It took me a while, but it's here... I think 2, maybe 3 more parts and the story I wanted to tell will be done.

Part 1 | Part 2 Masterlist | List of tags | Eye of the storm playlist 

- Cyclone! You there? - the loud banging at the door instantly jolted both of you awake, and you looked at Beau, fear painted all over your face. He only clenched his jaw and went to open the door, ready to deal with all the possible consequences, but you were not... So instead of facing the reality just yet, you hid completely under the covers, making sure that every part of your body was completely hidden. Logically you knew that there were signs that he wasn't exactly alone in the room, but without your face, it would be pretty hard to connect them to you. You didn't know that, but before he opened the door, he took one last look at you and smiled only seeing bundled-up bedding.

- What? - he asked, his voice completely void of emotions.

- You're late. It's 8:20. The call. - a familiar voice said, but you couldn't fully place it.

- Shit. I overslept. I'll be there in 5. - he panicked a little but already had a plan forming in his head.

- Mark that day in a calendar, everyone! Vice-Admiral Beau Simpson overslept! - the faceless voice laughed, and you couldn't help but chuckle. Now that you thought about it, he was always first in the room whenever he had a meeting with your dad. And he was always prepared and ready to go.

- Yeah, yeah... Make all the jokes you want, Sol. But make them from somewhere where you won't see me change. - Sol... Solomon Bates. You were finally able to connect the voice to the name. You only knew him in passing, that's why you didn't recognize his voice at first.

You heard the door closing, and you felt safe enough to peek from under the covers. He was quickly preparing to leave, and you wanted to try something truly evil. When he was still in the bathroom, you took one of his tan uniforms from the wardrobe and passed the folded clothes through the open door. You watched him quickly change from shorts into pants, putting on a t-shirt, but when it came to the beige shirt, you stopped him from doing the buttons and did them yourself, while he diligently watched every move of your fingers. Even though he was already almost late, and he knew that he could do them quicker, he'd much rather have you take care of that. You also pinned his ribbons and wings, as you did so many times in the past for your dad, so you knew the exact placement.

After you finished, he tucked the shirt into his pants and moved past you to find and put on the shoes, while you stood next to the door, patiently waiting on your tippy toes for your chance to execute the evil plan.

He eventually was ready to head out, but before he had the chance to open the door, you took his right hand into yours stopping him for just a moment before he left, and snaked your other hand onto his neck, gently pulling him closer.

He didn't even register what was happening, because he got so used to your presence and your touch. Everything you did with him just felt... right. But then he was out the door and had already taken four steps into the long corridor when it hit him so hard that he instantly stopped. You kissed him... It was quick and soft, just a peck on the lips, but definitely planned and intentional, not driven by overwhelming emotions. And he kissed you back as if he did it million times before... The blood immediately rushed to his face, and he could feel the warmth spilling into his chest. Only when someone saluted him in passing, he realized that in two minutes he was supposed to be deciding the fates of possible new Top Gun recruits. He fought with himself for a good moment, because his whole body was screaming at him to back and kiss you properly, but instead, he clenched his jaw, took two deep breaths to calm himself, and quickly walked in a direction of conference room number one. And while the blush disappeared from his cheeks, the giant smile stayed there for the whole duration of the call, to the point that even Solomon found it a bit unnerving.

And while he started working, you were still standing with your back against the closed door, with your fingers touching the exact place where your lips met, the sensation of it now forever carved in your memory. You honestly thought that he would stop you, but when instead he put his hand on your hip and leaned down to kiss you, you forgot how to breathe for a moment, and that weird feeling in your stomach appeared... Not exactly butterflies, but the one when you're in a car riding quickly, and there was a small hill or a bump... And for a short perfect moment, you felt light as a feather, and you could fly away to reach the heights you never dreamt of. And that’s what it was... A perfect little moment, tucked into months voided of colors…

It took you good twenty minutes to finally peel yourself from the door, but instead of going back to bed, you actually made it. Not to the military standards, of that you were sure, but at least it looked presentable. You took the packet of almonds, and at first, your hand also reached for your dad's journal, but it stopped, only hovering over it... After a moment without movement, you instead reached for a sketchbook and pencils... If you were at your place, you would have reached for watercolors, because for the first time in months, you were more in a mood for something other than blacks or greys.

Well... Postmates existed... Question was, would they be able to enter the base, or would you have to meet them at the gate? You put down the sketchbook back on the desk, took your phone, unlocked it, and immediately got overwhelmed by the number of notifications that appeared on the screen. At first, you froze, but because of the subtle scent of spruce all over you, you were able to start chipping at this giant iceberg. Most of the notifications came from the apps, so they were easy to deal with. Next came text messages. Mostly from your mother, brother, and a few close friends, which were still updating you, even though you were not replying. The majority of other texts contained condolences, but since they were from people you barely knew, you just... Ignored them. It seemed much less weird than replying "Thank you" after over two months.

With a heavy sigh, you finally opened the messages from Nick and scrolled to the first unread one... Which was a meme with his cat containing four pictures of him with his head in the pack of chips, looking in different directions, evidently confused, because he couldn’t figure out how to take the bag off, with the caption "Father...? Father!? Why have you forsaken me...?". You couldn't help but chuckle a bit. After a week of nothing, there was a short video from a hike, showing the landscape from somewhere high up; you didn't recognize it though. Next, there was another video, this time of his cat again, who tried to throw a speaker from the desk, but instead of achieving that, he himself fell off the desk. And message after message, video after video, meme after meme you finally got through the whole conversation. The last one was from just a couple of hours ago when the sun was still hidden behind the horizon. There was a small bonfire with his voiceover. "Hey... I know it's been some time since we saw each other, but mum told me that we'll be clearing dad’s office together. And I just wanted to let you know that I'm here for you no matter what, and I miss you terribly... I hope to see you then, but if you're not ready..." his voice cracked a bit, and that hurt you more than you expected. "If you're not ready, then you're not ready. I just hope you're getting through it...". The video ended and you were left with an emptiness in your heart, because only now you realized that along with losing his dad, Nicky also lost his sister. You were so engulfed in your own sorrow, that you didn't even think about it, cutting everything and everyone off... You instantly pressed the icon starting the video call and straightened yourself in the armchair.

He answered almost immediately. The video was choppy at his end, but you were still able to see that he was somewhere in the forest.

- Siema siostra! - you rarely saw him so excited, and you just couldn't help but laugh a bit. – Finally, rose from the dead? Shit. Sorry. - he realized what he said as soon as the words left his mouth, and if you heard it just a week ago, you would have had a full-blown panic attack, but now, still feeling the gentle touch on your lips, you were... fine.

- Figure of speech, I get it. - you gave him a faint smile, and he finally stopped walking. - And I am slowly getting through it... - you circled back to the last video you received from him.

- That's good to hear, good to hear... - he looked at the camera and smiled. - Where are you by the way? Mum was going crazy yesterday... - you sighed quietly. There was no sense in lying to him because he knew you far too well to believe you when you were bullshitting.

- I'm on base, but I'm... well... in hiding. You know since I'm not exactly supposed to be here. I have help though! And I'm actually eating! - he knew that there were periods when you had real troubles with that because he was usually the first one to notice when you weren't... He was a great older brother, even though you basically hated each other's guts when you were growing up, and it took a lot of time for you to get to the place you were now.

- My sister, a secret agent man... - he genuinely laughed, but didn't dig any deeper, even though you knew he knew you weren't saying the whole trough. - Wha... tr... eve... pl...

- Nicky, you're cutting out... - you tried to refresh the feed, but it looked like he was too deep in the forest to have good reception.

- Recep... it... - and the call dropped. You instantly got a message from him. "The reception is shit, sorry. It was good to see you. I'll call tomorrow evening, pinky promise."

You smiled and replied that it was good to see him too...

And now that your messages were taken care of, you got to the final beast, which was your emails... Again, there were a lot of condolences, but along with them, there were also a lot from your agent, about every single sale, and you couldn't believe how many of them he sent you... Usually, you were able to sell 4, maybe 6 paintings per month, but considering their usual prices, you were actually more than financially comfortable, but you just didn't care about that. And here there were... 80 paintings sold, almost all you had listed. You honestly couldn't believe it... Over 5 years of work sold in just two months. And then you realized what probably happened. Your dad's death was on the news... Since "Kazansky" wasn't exactly a popular last name, more people were finding you because of his death...

And that was enough to make your heart sink deeper into your chest.

In the last email, your agent mentioned that a gallery wanted to contact you regarding a possible exhibit, which under any other circumstances would have been amazing, but now everything was tainted, and you weren't even sure if you wanted to sell anything anymore... So instead of ordering paints and a small canvas, you put your phone down and reached for a journal that you had already memorized and started re-reading it with your knees under your chin; the unopened pack of almonds already forgotten.

Beau came back around noon, and as soon as he saw the tears streaming down your cheeks, the ones you didn't even notice for the last hour, he kneeled in front of you and after putting the tray with food on the desk, took the journal out of your hands, and forced you to look him in the eyes... Which opened the dam, and you started sobbing, finally allowing yourself to break down. You leaned forward and desperately reached for him, and he pulled you closer, allowing your arms to find their way around his body, and your face to hide in his neck...

- Shhh... Shhhh... It's ok, you're ok... - he whispered, slid his strong arms under you, and turned both of you around in such a way, that you were currently sitting on him, while he was sitting on the floor. - Can you tell me what happened? - he asked, not letting you go even for a second, and trying to soothe you by gently rubbing your back and swaying front and back, but you weren't ready to say anything just yet... Seeing you in this state was breaking his heart, and his chest actually ached, because the helplessness was turning into physical pain. He wanted, needed, to help you, but he couldn't do anything except just being there for you.

It took some time, but you eventually calmed down, and he rubbed the tears from your cheeks for the millionth time, but it was the first time you actually were aware that he was doing it...

- Did you know that I paint...? - you asked, your voice still shaky and quiet. He nodded and allowed you to explain. - I even have an agent. And I finally got through the emails from him. Over 250 of them to be exact... 3 per painting... One with all the offers, one with the winning bid, and one with confirmation of payment... Over 80 paintings sold in two months, because people heard my dad's last name on the news... - you started crying again, even the thought of it too heavy to bear alone. And fortunately, you didn't have to say anything more, because Beau understood what you meant.

- Would he blame you for being happy, or would he be proud of your success? - he asked quietly. Logically you knew that your dad would never want to see you the way you were now... All broken, overwhelmed by guilt, and unable to function... Especially if he knew that he was the reason you were like that. He would be ready to do anything just so you could be better... Except not dying...

Did you actually blame him for dying and leaving you alone?

Even thinking that scared you, because that was the last thing you wanted to do... You knew how much he suffered, you were there to witness all the pain, the guilt, the helplessness. You knew it wasn't his fault... But... That accusatory feeling somehow snaked its way into your brain and coiled around your grief unnoticed until now.

Logically you knew that it wasn't his fault, that he didn't choose it. For fucks sake, he fought till there was no hope left... He went through all the treatments, all procedures, and searched for international trials; he didn't just... give up. And yet... you couldn't help what you felt and that made you cry even harder because now you were getting angry at yourself, for even thinking like that. It wasn't rational, you knew that, but those emotions didn't want to just disappear.

- I'm sorry, I don't know what I'm talking about... - Beau whispered and hugged you even harder, almost crushing you in his arms.

- It's... It's not you... It's my fucking stupid brain. - you said in between sobs. - You're amazing... I'm... I don't deserve... - you couldn't even finish that sentence, because another wave pulled you under the surface and you lost the ability to think about anything coherent. There were just negative emotions festering in your head and you couldn't even let them out... You didn't even know how...

- Scream... - his voice managed to get through all the walls you were building up in real-time, and the meaning of it confused you enough, that for just a moment you came back to reality. You wanted to ask something along "what...?" but the word didn't manage to get through the giant ball in your throat - Scream. Just scream. As loud and as you can. - you were still confused, and Beau seemed to read your mind because he added. - There is no one in this part of the base, everyone is either eating or in training. Scream. - and that was enough...

At first, you struggled to get any sound out. Then it was strained and quiet, but after you took a deep breath and opened your mouth again, a full-blown, primal scream left your lungs. It was filled with anger, shame, guilt, blame... All the things that were stewing in your brain packaged not so neatly in one action.

You didn't even realize when you got out of his embrace, but you found yourself kneeling on the floor, screaming at it, as if was all its fault. You stayed like that until there were no more tears left, and no more voices in your brain, not even your own... You simply collapsed and Beau scooped you up again. You wanted to thank him, say anything, but your voice was long gone, and it would be a moment till it comes back.

You were exhausted, so you were more than grateful when he put you under the covers and kneeled, so your faces were on the same level. He wiped the tears from your cheeks with his thumb, and you gently wrapped your fingers around his hand while it was still in contact with your skin, guided it to your lips and - without breaking eye contact - pressed a soft kiss to the back of it. You were ready to let go of him, but instead, he mirrored your actions by pulling both of your hands closer to him and pressing a soft kiss to your hand.

- I hate leaving you... - he whispered against your soft skin and closed his eyes, taking in both the sensation and your scent. - Go to sleep, babygirl... - there was that pet name again... In his mouth, it sounded so soft and full of something you weren't ready to name yet. You definitely didn't mind it, but you were never called that before, so getting used to it might take a moment.

He returned your hand close to your chest but didn't move until your breathing changed to a familiar pattern that showed up when you were asleep. He didn't want to leave when you were still conscious, because he was afraid you might start to spiral again... And considering how much energy the last hour took from you, he doubted you'll be awake when he'll finish working, which wasn't ideal because you haven't eaten today yet, but he knew forcing you to do so right now would not be good. But he still came back in around 10 minutes and brought a thermal mug full of tea with ginger and honey.

Beau was right because when he came back after a full day of working, you were still in the same position and nothing in the room changed. He took his thermal mug from where he left it, and gently cupped your face, trying to wake you up.

When you opened your eyes and he was the first thing you saw, you couldn't help but smile, for a short blissful moment forgetting about what happened earlier. He took your hand in his and placed it on a mug. You wanted to thank him, but your voice was lost, and the memory of what happened flooded back into your brain, and all the thoughts and emotions came back with it. You froze and he seemed to know exactly what was happening in your head.

He helped you sit up, unlocked the mug, gently guided it to your lips, and you took a first sip of a pleasantly hot tea. And then another one... The warmth of it mixed with honey soothed your throat, and you were finally able to say something.

- I'm sorry... - by his expression, you instantly realized that it was the wrong thing to say.

- You have nothing to apologize for. Everyone is grieving in different ways, and yours is not wrong. - he gave you the softest of smiles, and you leaned in a bit to press your foreheads together, a memory from today's morning slithering its way into your brain, but neither of you did anything more. That small gesture was more than enough, and it was comforting you in ways you couldn't even describe.

- I feel like I'm a burden... Like I only take and take from you... - you closed your eyes because it was the only way to break eye contact without putting space in between your foreheads.

- You could never be a burden to me, no matter what... - he whispered so quietly, that if you were just a bit further away, you wouldn't be able to hear it, but you did... And it sounded like something he was afraid to admit even in front of himself, not to mention you. You opened your eyes again, wanting to gaze into his, but they were closed. You wanted to ask why he said that, but you already knew the answer... And you definitely weren't ready to hear it from his mouth...

- It's Friday today, isn't it...? - you asked, and you felt him nodding. - And you're not working on weekends, correct?

- We can stay here, that won't be an issue. - he said, his voice more confident.

- That's not why I'm asking... Can... - you couldn't believe what you were about to say. - Can you take me to your place...? - his eyes shot open, and he leaned back in shock.

- God yes! - he answered with relief before you even finished asking the question. - Don't get me wrong, I enjoy having you here, but everything is... - before you realized what you were doing, you leaned in and kissed him, stopping his rant in its tracks.

Your hand instinctively found its way into his hair, while the other rested lightly on his shoulder. Suddenly you were aware of everything your body experienced... The rough material under your fingers, the smoothness of his hair, the warmth of his neck, the softness of his lips, so ready to invite you in… And you dove deep, without even thinking; chasing the sensation that was both new and familiar. Your heart was galloping faster and faster with every tender touch, the warmth in your chest turned into a roaring fire and your head was among the clouds because, with every breath you shared, you got higher and higher.

He was devouring you in ways you never thought possible, his hands pulling you closer by your hips. He was frantic and delicate at the same time as if he was restraining himself in fear of somehow hurting you, but you didn't want that... You wanted him to be real, to know who and what he was like under this hard shell he shared with the world, so you bit his lower lip and pulled on it gently, a soft smile blooming on your face. He responded with a low growl, followed your movements, and caught you in another kiss, this time more impatient, more hungry, more... messy... And you gave right in, allowing him to lead the dance your tongues shared until you were properly out of breath. But even after your lips parted, your skin was tingling all over, and there was that feeling in your stomach again, while so many colors flooded your brain.

- I need to ask you to do things for me more often... - you finally broke the silence, and he chuckled in response.

- Yeah, it was definitely worth the wait... - he was still kneeling on the floor in between your legs, and you didn't even realize when your ankles found their way around his thighs.

- How long have you been waiting for it... exactly...? - you asked in a joking matter, pressing your foreheads together again in search of the echo of that intimacy.

- I plead the 5th... - he laughed softly in response, but you knew one day he'll tell you everything, but now he was still afraid you would run away if you knew. - Fuck, I feel like a teenager again. - he moved one of his hands to your cheek and gently caressed your skin with his thumb, and you leaned into that touch.

- And I feel more like myself... - you put your hand over his, and moved it slowly, so you could press a soft kiss on his palm. - Can we go now...? - you asked, completely disregarding the fact that you were still wearing the clothes you’d slept in.

- We can. - he pressed a soft kiss to your lips; an echo of passion was still audible in his actions. It didn't take you long to get ready, because you didn't have a lot of things with you, and everything - including the things Beau got for you - fit into your bag. You had to change into your own pants, because you didn't want to walk outside in shorts, or much too big sweatpants, but you kept his gray t-shirt, throwing your dad's jacket over it. When you started searching for your shoes, Cyclone reached for them under the bed, where he left them that first night, he brought you here. But before you were able to put them on yourself, he gently pushed you to sit on the bed, put them on your feet, and laced them tightly for you. He also offered you his hand when he finished, to help you get up. Not that you needed help, but you enjoyed touching him in any way you could, and he seemed to feel the same way.

You wanted to hold his hand while you walked through the corridors, but you knew it would be seen as inappropriate, so you just put up the hood of the jacket and put on the aviators to make yourself less recognizable, although you seriously doubted that it would work if you encountered someone you knew. And fortunately, gods spared you that awkwardness because you hated lying.

You were a bit surprised when the car that reacted to his keys was Jeep Wrangler because you were expecting something more... classic. Not that you were complaining, it was just... unexpected, but considering how little you actually knew about him, you had a lot of catching up to do.

You wanted to curl up in the front seat, but you didn't want to put your shoes on the breathable material, so you sat there, feeling a little bit like a kid, but in a good way. You weren't exactly used to following rules, even the simplest ones, which was surprising to most people who knew your dad from the military.

As soon as you started voicing your opinions, you and Nicky were able to defend your point of view in front of your parents, and if your arguments were sound, you were able to proceed with whatever you had planned; they allowed you to make your own mistakes and learn from them just so you'd be prepared for the hardships of the real world. And even though they didn't always agree with your choices, they respected both of you enough not to force you onto a certain path they imagined for you.

And while your brother went into a more... conventional direction with software engineering and app development, you craved too much freedom for any typical career. And when you discovered painting... Well, everything else was history. You had to fight tooth and nail to be taken seriously at first, but after the 4th competition won, your father realized that it wasn't just a fluke, and there was a real possibility for you to achieve a lot, even though he didn’t completely understand it. In the end, he was the one who started doing research about fine art colleges, and internships before you were even done with high school. And when you had your first exhibit, he was the one who cheered you the loudest and invited all his friends from the navy, because he wanted to show off his little girl.

And then you realized something... You were able to think about your dad without going into a complete spiral for the first time in ages, and you couldn't help but smile. It was a small thing, but it meant that you were slowly getting back to normal, and that was something that gave you an unimaginable amount of peace.

- Do you want to swing by your house to get something? - Beau asked, and you had to think for a moment before replying.

- House no... - you finally said; you weren't ready to face whatever was waiting for you there. - But my studio... - you looked at him and he just nodded.

- What's the address? - you gave it to him, and he adjusted the route accordingly.

It didn't take you long to actually get there, but you were a little bit afraid to get out of the car and walk up three flights of stairs. And then you realized that you haven't even asked.

- Would it be ok if I painted at your house...? - your voice got almost completely drowned in traffic noises.

- You can do whatever you want in my house. - he replied with a soft smile, and he meant what he said. - Do you want me to come with you? - he wanted to help, but he didn't want to impose. You shook your head for no; you knew how your studio looked and you weren't ready to share that with him just yet, even though he already knew your life at the moment was messy. - If you'll change your mind, I'm here... - he hesitated for a short moment, but he eventually took your hand into his and brought it to his lips to place a small kiss on the back of it, and it gave you enough courage to face whatever was waiting for you upstairs.

You tried not to look around too much while grabbing your gym bag from the closet, because you were afraid that you might start to spiral again, but fortunately, you managed to avoid that. You packed a few more sets of underwear, a pair of shorts, and leggings. In a moment of boldness, you skipped shirts and t-shirts, because his gave you much more comfort than your own, and you were planning on continuing wearing them. You also packed your hair and face cosmetics, and that was it from necessities, but it wasn't everything you packed...

You also took a ceramic pot you used to brew your tea in, the tea itself, your favorite mug made by one of your friends, and a small cat figurine you didn't even plan on taking out of the bag when you were at his place because just the knowledge of having it with you was comforting.

Next, you took a big canvas bag and started throwing brushes, sponges, rollers, different types of paints and inks, primers, varnish, and all the other things you needed to paint and prepare a canvas. The last thing you took, were thin wooden slats you made frames out of, to stretch the canvas on, and the roll of the canvas itself; it was much easier to travel with it deconstructed, and you didn't know what size you'd need just yet. You quickly left your apartment without looking at everything too much, and you carefully walked down the stairs. When you opened the building doors, you saw Beau standing next to the car, ready to help, if you needed it. You didn't, but just looking at him made you smile.

He took your bags from you, put them in the back, and opened the door of the car for you, and before you knew it, you were crossing a border to the gated community he apparently lived in. All the houses here looked... new. And expensive. And not at all like something you were used to.

He eventually stopped in front of a big suburban house with a double garage door in front. It looked like it had at least four bedrooms, which was - again - surprising.

- Do you... live... alone? - you asked while the doors to the garage were opening, because you just assumed that he did, but you didn't know for sure.

- Yeah... - he sighed. - I know it's a giant house for one person, but I've bought it quite some time ago when I still hoped to start a family... Work kind of got in the way somewhere along the way. - he explained - I honestly admire your father for managing to... - he realized what he said, and his eyes instantly snapped to you in search of signs that something was wrong, but there were none.

- Honestly, it was rough... I remember I learn how to count by counting the nights he was away, and the highest I got was 303 when he was deployed. - you said quietly, a weak smile on your face. - When I was a kid, I always put him on a pedestal, but when I learned more about the world and wars... Well, let's just say that our relationship wasn't always perfect, and it took a lot of therapy to get us to... well... to get us where you saw us. - you explained quietly, leaving Beau a little bit speechless. Neither of you said anything when he was parking, but he helped you with your things.

It was weird, because on the one hand, you felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be, but on the other, you felt a bit like you were intruding, especially when he gave you a quick tour of his house. It was much more modern than you expected, and it lacked... him. As if someone else decorated the house to what they thought a bachelor would like. That was until you got to the main bedroom, and you instantly felt the warmth spilling in your chest.

The bed was massive with dark grey and navy sheets, but it wasn't the main feature of the room, because it was facing a wall filled with books from top to bottom, and the ceiling was high. You couldn't stop yourself from coming closer to check out the titles and run your fingers over the spines. You noticed that they were segregated by genre and in the genre - by the author's last name, which didn't surprise you. What surprised you was the fact that there were quite a few high fantasy books, which caught your attention, and when you turned around to ask, the words got stuck in your throat as soon as you laid your eyes on him.

Technically it wasn't anything special, because he looked exactly the same as he looked over the whole time you knew him, but something changed... He was still in his beige uniform, which shirt you buttoned up in the morning, and to which you attached his ribbons. He was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed on his chest, but his eyes and the way he looked at you... It almost made you blush because you never saw that expression on his face... The corners of his lips raised slightly in a gentle smile, cheeks just a bit higher, making those beautiful smile lines in the corners of his eyes, and the eyes... You instantly relaxed, and it was an involuntary reaction. Was it even possible to develop such strong feelings so quickly, or was it just a weird reaction to your grief? Will you ever be able to tell...?

- You can take anything you want... - he said, and something in his voice told you he didn't mean it just about books, but you left that as it was. Before you'd have that conversation, you will have to come to terms with whatever was happening in your own head. - I'm going to make dinner. - he said, but you stopped him with a gesture and walked closer to him.

You gently unpinned first the wings, then the ribbon rack, and he realized what you were doing; you were home... He wasn't supposed to be in uniform at home... Well, it wasn't forbidden, but he realized that you wanted him to leave the navy behind closed doors for the weekend, and somehow you managed you fit so many things into such a small gesture... That you wanted him to relax, that you wanted to know him better outside of work, that you were taking the exact amount of initiative you were ready for, that he wasn't forcing you into anything, that you were comfortable enough with him to know that even now, when you were slowly unbuttoning his shirt, he wouldn't assume anything. You were showing him that you trusted him without saying one word...

When you got to the lower buttons, you had to gently tug on the material to get it out from the inside of his trousers, and the movement caused his very subtle scent to surround you, which made you smile just a little.

Under the button-up, there was a white t-shirt. You very slowly slipped your hands under it, letting your fingers graze his skin and chest hair, while he was watching your every move with inhuman intensity. When the material rode up high enough, he helped you pull it over his head, but you were the one to take it off completely.

- How do you do this...? - you asked with your hands still on his chest. - How do you make me feel so safe and so calm...? - neither of you knew that, so the question hung unanswered and then he covered your hand with his.

- Does it matter...? - he eventually answered with another question, and after thinking for a moment you shook your head. - Then it doesn't matter, but I'm happy I can do that for you. - he moved your hand to his lips and place a soft kiss on it. - Would you mind if we ate in the garden today? I feel like grilling something... - it wasn't the warmest of days, but it was still the end of the summer, and there were always blankets. Plus - fresh air would do you good.

He went to the walk-in closet and quickly changed, while you were acutely studying everything that was in it. Which if you had to be honest - wasn't much and barely half of it was filled. But you still clocked one item that you instantly gravitated towards - an old gray hoodie with a washed-out naval academy logo. You run your fingers over the material and smiled. He said that you could take anything you wanted... So you did. You pulled it off the hanger and put it on. It was much softer on the inside than on the outside, the sleeves were too long, it reached halfway down your thighs and the hood covered your entire face... It was perfect.

Beau was the one who gently pulled the hood back, so you could see and for a brief moment, his hand rested on your cheek... He was so gentle with you, but you knew it wasn't because he was afraid that you would break; you were used to this type of behavior from different people, but he... He was just gentle. And soft. And warm... Without any specific reason.

You didn't even have to ask for a blanket, because he already had one prepared when you stepped onto the back porch. It wasn't anything special... Well, there was a currently covered pool, and a fire pit, but when it came to plants... there was almost nothing, and you felt a little bit disappointed, but that was your own fault because when he mentioned the garden, you were expecting at least a few trees and maybe a veggie patch... And some flowers... But that was your problem, not his. He was already kind enough to take you in.

Still wrapped in a thick blanket, you chose to sit on the swing with your knees curled up and a sketchbook in your hands, while he was preparing food a few meters away from you, and you honestly could get used to that... You were happy to just observe him, but after a few minutes a compulsion to draw won, so you cracked the spine of a brand-new sketchbook he bought for you and started sketching.

His face was already committed to your memory forever, so it wasn't hard for you to do a quick outline of the proportions, and after that you cleaned it a bit, looking at Beau from time to time, even though you didn't need to... But you wanted to... You slowly added more details, starting with hair, but they weren't neatly combed like they were now. You used the image from your head, from when he was in bed with you after taking a shower at night; they had much more volume and suited him more in your opinion. Next came the nose, which took you only a minute, but his lips... You spent so much time looking at them and thinking about them, that even the tiniest details were carved in your memory, and you took your time pouring them out on paper because you wanted to do them justice. And lastly - his eyes and everything around them... You had to close yours for a moment to recall and analyze the expression he looked at you with only half an hour ago...

Just as you were finishing, the smell of something cooking hit your nostrils, and you peeked at what he was doing. On a special plate on the grill, there were potatoes with some herbs, bell peppers, onions... And even though you couldn't see it, you could smell it, so you knew somewhere in there, there was also garlic and rosemary. As if he could feel your gaze on him, he turned around catching you in the act and looking at you with the exact same expression that was looking at you from your sketchbook.

You turned the page in his direction, but from his perspective, the light pencil was barely visible, so he came closer, and you passed the notebook to him, so he could take a closer look.

- That's not... - he started, but quickly stopped and thought about what he really meant. - I don't think I've ever seen myself looking like that... - it took him a moment to react.

- That's what I see when you look at me... - you simply shrugged and he shifted his gaze back to you, as if unsure what to say. There were a few minutes of silence before he spoke again, this time much quieter.

- Am I that obvious...? - his voice was almost a whisper as if he was afraid that anything louder would shatter the moment.

- It's... complicated. - you sighed. - And I promise we will talk about it, but I am not ready for that conversation yet, it's too soon. But I... - you hesitated. - I don't want to be anywhere but with you. For now, it will have to be enough, I'm sorry that I can't give you more... - the last part was barely audible.

- You have nothing to apologize for because you don't have to give me anything... - he passed the still-opened sketchbook back to you and you couldn't help but look at your drawing again. - And when you're ready - we will talk. - he didn't even have to say that he was more than ok with waiting, because you were definitely worth any wait. - But first - food. - you technically weren't even hungry, but you knew you should eat... And with Beau cooking, it would be extremely hard to say no without poking a hole in your bag of issues. Plus - logically you knew your body needed it, so you didn't protest when he brought you a dark blue plate with chicken and veggies cut to bite-size pieces even before cooking.

He sat on the swing next to you and very gently started moving it using just one of his legs.

- What's your favorite ice cream flavor? - you asked right after you swallowed the first piece of roasted potato and he looked at you with surprise, but as soon as he realized what you were doing, he shifted a bit, so now his body was facing you, and you did the same.

- Hazelnut... But it's followed closely by salted caramel. You? - he replied and now it was his turn to take a bite.

- Lemon sherbet with basil... - you usually had to make it on your own, because there weren't many companies that carried that specific flavor.

- That's a bit unusual... - he couldn't help but smile, but he wasn't even surprised, because nothing about you was usual. - What kind of music do you like? - this time he asked the question.

- Just... Music... It really depends on my mood. I have hundreds of playlists I've made over the years, so it would be hard for me to choose just one of them. - you took a small break to eat a few pieces of veggies. - Although I focus more on the song itself than on the creator. And sure, there are a few that I'd enjoy no matter what, like House of the Rising Sun or Work Song, but overall - my music taste is all over the place. - your throat still hurt a bit from the screaming earlier today, but not enough to stop you from talking.

- If you let me, I'd love to hear a few of your playlists. Do you have them on Apple Music? - he asked, and you chuckled.

- Spotify. We're an android house because of my lovely brother. - Beau was really easy to talk to and you found yourself wanting to do it more often, and since you were already in his house, it should be easy to do.

- Nicholas? - he made sure he remembered the name correctly, and you realized that you weren't even sure if the two of them ever met.

- Nick. Or Nicky... - you corrected, because your brother hated the full version of his name with a passion, and Beau only nodded once, acknowledging the change. - Do you have any siblings? - you couldn't help but ask and he sighed heavily.

- Yeaaahhhh... Four sisters. One older, and three younger. - you weren't sure what you were expecting, but it wasn't this, and you almost choked.

- That's... - you didn't even know what to say.

- A lot? - he offered, and you nodded. - My father wanted another son after me and well... It didn't go according to plan. - he chuckled.

- Would you mind telling me a bit more about your family? - and he did. He started with his older sister and their rocky relationship due to their parents giving him more attention, and then he moved down, telling you about how he always felt responsible for the younger ones, how he played with them and braided their hair, and how he felt guilty leaving them behind when he joined the navy.

And you listened to his stories from childhood until your plate was empty, and when it was, you put it on the floor next to the swing, brought your knees to your chest, and just... listened. It was your turn to get to know him, since he had a substantial head start in that department, and you were happy to learn every little detail he was willing to share.

The sun was already hidden behind the horizon, and you couldn't help but look around the... so-called garden, and he immediately saw that someone was bugging you.

- What's wrong? - he asked quietly, reaching to touch you, and as soon as his fingers were on your calf, you moved closer to him and awkwardly turned around, draping the blanket over both of you. He wrapped his arm around you and pulled you closer, happy to share some warmth with you.

- Nothing's wrong... - you said, and it wasn't a lie. - There are just a few things I miss, and when you said you had a garden... I just miss nature. - you didn't want to add why exactly you missed it, but to Beau - it was obvious. - It's so quiet here... We're outside, but there are no frogs, no bugs buzzing around, no crickets in the background, no nothing... Well, besides a few moths and mosquitos. - you could feel him chuckle behind you. - And please don't get it the wrong way, I'm extremely happy to be here with you, and it's just something I miss.

- It's ok... I understand what you mean. - he placed a soft kiss on the top of your head. - It's... sterile, a blank canvas. - and that was exactly what you meant, so you couldn't help but look back at him. - I'm not spending much time here... Sure, it's my house, but it was decorated by someone else because I didn't have time to do it myself. I paid someone to design the backyard in such a way, that it wouldn't require much maintenance, because I knew I wouldn't have time to take care of it. I always imagined that one day it will change, but... - he didn't have to finish, because you knew what he was about to say... If not for your mother, your house would have white walls and barely any decorations.

- The bedroom... - you whispered, and it suddenly made sense. - You decorated it yourself, didn't you...? - you asked, but you already knew the answer even before he nodded. That’s why you felt so safe and comfortable there; the one room he actually took time to work on.

You yawned, the exhaustion from today finally catching up with you; you knew it would be a while before you'll be at full strength again, but you felt safe enough not to rush that process.

- Do you want to go to sleep...? - he asked quietly.

- Mhmmm... But shower first... - you mumbled in response, but you didn't move to get up just yet, which made him smile. He pressed his cheek against your head, a plan for tomorrow slowly taking shape in his head. It would take him a moment to prepare everything, but it will be worth it.

- Go then... I'll clean around here and join you when I'll finish. - and with a quiet groan you finally started moving. Still wrapped in the soft blanket that now smelled like smoke, you went upstairs to the bedroom, where all your things were.

His shower was abysmally giant, almost a completely separate room with a rain shower and a bench to sit on. He already prepared a set of soft, dark blue towels for you, which you put to good use. You also neatly placed your things on the side of the counter, so they would be within reach, but not in the way. Technically there were two sinks, one completely empty, but... it just didn't feel right.

You peeked out of the bathroom to see if he was already in the bedroom, but it was empty, so you felt more comfortable sneaking into his walk-in wardrobe in just a towel tightly wrapped around your body. You gravitated towards the back of the room, where the older, more worn things were, and you unceremoniously took a black t-shirt with the logo of a band you didn't recognize and put it on. It was so soft against your skin, that you closed your eyes, relishing that sensation.

Since he wasn't in the room just yet, you picked one of the titles from the high fantasy section and started reading it in bed, but the warmth from the shower, and the fact that everywhere you looked, you could feel him, made you doze off before you realized what was happening.

It took Beau over an hour to prepare everything for tomorrow; he even dug through the decoration boxes in the garage to find the fairy lights he usually used to decorate his nieces’ room whenever they visited. The food for tomorrow was already prepared in the fridge, and everything else he would need was already packed.

When he came into the bedroom, you were already asleep, curled around one of his books. He gently took it out of your hands, put it on the nightstand, and turned the lamp off, so the light wouldn't interfere with your sleep.

He took a very quick shower, taking notice of the small trail of things you left in the bathroom with a smile; you were in his house for just a few hours, and he already loved everything about it. It was like you were meant to be there like you fit perfectly into empty spaces in his life.

Curiosity won, and he couldn't help but smell and read the labels of the creams and other things you were using, so he'd be better prepared next time you needed anything like that.

When he finally lay in bed and turned the lights off, he couldn't help the quiet groan. It's not like the beds on base were unreasonably uncomfortable, but he missed his own, even if that meant you were a bit further away. He didn't want to wake you up or assume anything, but as soon as he let out that groan, you started to shift in your sleep. For a short moment, he was afraid he woke you up, but he didn't; you were still sound asleep. But that didn't stop you from shuffling under the giant duvet in search of something, and as soon as your hand blindly found his torso, you let out a deeper breath and pulled yourself even closer to his body, which resulted in a giant smile on his face... even subconsciously you wanted to be near him...

So, he wrapped his arms around you and finally closed his eyes. He wasn't ready to fall asleep just yet; it was too early for that for him, but he just wanted to enjoy that moment of vulnerability with you. 

A/N 2: Please don’t feel obligated/pressured to reblog, because I write mostly for myself. A comment would be appreciated though :) Love, G.

[ssaeri]

the taste of home

☆ tags: harvey & gn!reader, harvey tells everyone to eat home-cooked meals because they're better for you (dialogue line), you find out that he mostly eats microwave meals, gift-giving is this farmer's love language, can be read ROMANTICALLY ☆

Maru startles when you enter the clinic, her galaxy-themed pen pausing over a stack of paperwork. Once she realizes that it's just you, her shoulders drop, a half-smile blossoming on her lips.

"Scared me," she says with a huff of a laugh. She closes the manila folder and tucks it away, the motion smooth with practiced efficiency. "I thought I forgot about an appointment or something."

"That's nonsense, Mar. Nothing could ever get past you. I swear you eat organizational tabs for breakfast," you say, waving off her concern. Leaning over the counter, you drop your chin into a palm. "Is the doctor in?"

Her amused expression turns into an eye roll, and she jabs a thumb over her shoulder. "In the private examination room, I think, but make sure you knock first. Last I saw, he was cleaning out the cabinet, and I really don't want to help clean up another jump scare."

"I do it because it's fun to tease him, not to make your job harder," you insist. Opening up your bag, you rummage around for a few seconds before pulling out a glass jar. "But just as an apology for what happened last week, I brought you this. My best strawberry preserves for the best nurse in Pelican Town."

"I'm the only nurse in Pelican Town," she retorts, but still, she hums appreciatively as she takes it, fingers dancing over her name on the lid. You already know that she and Demetrius buy half of your stock at Pierre's, even if she says that they share with the entire family. "While you're back there, can you tell Dr. Harvey that I'm clocking out in fifteen minutes? We were supposed to discuss a patient today, but I think he forgot. I'll finish up here and touch base with him tomorrow."

"Yes, ma'am."

You send her a two-fingered salute that she vaguely returns. Then you disappear into the corridor that melts into the clinic's main hallway. Other than the waiting room you were in, the hallway leads to four other places: the patient room, which holds privacy curtains, two soft beds, and a firm bed that you've grown to dislike after all your Skull Cavern emergency surgeries; the stairway up to Harvey's apartment, blocked by two metal doors; the back of the reception desk; and a private examination room, which doubles as Harvey's office.

Harvey's in there now, back to the door, hands on his hips as he surveys the mess by his feet. His green blazer is flung over the exam bed, and he has his sleeves rolled to his elbows. An end of the day vibe, for sure. You look over your shoulder and see Maru staring at you, pretending to rapt her knuckles on her desk. Fine, you mouth, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. Satisfied, she turns back to her work.

"Knock, knock," you sing at Harvey's door. Despite your announcement, he jumps, hand over his heart as he whirls around. His brown eyes are wide behind his glasses.

"Farmer," he sighs. "You scared me."

"Not the first time I heard that today," you laugh, striding into the room. Behind you, you hear Maru's door click closed. "Your lovely nurse said that she's clocking out soon, by the way. Fifteen minutes."

He glances at his watch. "Oh dear, is it already that time? I guess I got distracted by all the supplies." He drags a hand down his face. "I ordered a new shipment of bandage wrap yesterday, only to find a brand new box in the back. Apparently I did this last time, too. I need to spend my next free day taking inventory."

"I'll just make a few more trips to Skull Cavern and use those right up," you say, but when his glare snaps to your face, you hold up your hands placatingly. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Do you need any help right now?"

He pauses, surveying the stacked boxes, but finally sighs a soft No. "I'll just leave things like this so that I remember tomorrow. Why don't you head upstairs and get settled first? I think the coffee machine is about ready to go."

Now it's your turn to shoot him a look. "How many cups have you had today?"

He flushes. "O-only one this morning! Please don't say anything. Can you just set up the table upstairs?"

You tsk, pretending to be disappointed, if only to get back at him for always giving unsolicited health advice. But he's been helping you a lot lately, so you guess you can cut him a break.

As always, the smell of coffee lingers in the air, growing stronger as you trudge up the stairs. When you first befriended him, it was the only thing you knew he liked. He made sure to always have a tumbler in hand as he walked to the river in the afternoons, and you took note of it. Twice a week, you dropped by to give him a warm cup, which he always took appreciatively, but Maru was quick to tell you what else Harvey liked. You don't want to encourage him, she said mysteriously.

You started giving him more pickles after that.

His room is bathed in orange as the sun sets, light catching on the airplane models scattered across his dining table. They look untouched, frozen in the same positions as last week. Not much to set up, then. You flick on the overhead light and make your way to the kitchen.

Though it’s more of a break room than a kitchen, now that you think about it. You’ve only been over here once or twice. Between the microwave and coffee machine, there’s barely any counter space left, and you wonder how he ever gets any cooking done without a stove. He told you once that he mostly eats food from the Stardrop Saloon, but…your eyes narrow. What about all his lectures about home-cooked meals?

You move around clumsily, unsure of where everything is. Eventually, you find two mugs in the overhead cabinet, coffee packets in the drawer, sugar cubes in a cute little jar you gifted him the other month. The machine whirs and dribbles fresh coffee into the waiting mugs. Just as they top off, you hear footsteps on the stairs.

“Hey, Harvey?” you call out. “Do you have any milk or cream?”

“I have vanilla creamer in the fridge, second shelf,” he replies, but then you hear a sharp intake. “Wait, I’ll get it—”

Too late. You’ve already opened his fridge. The bottle of creamer is there—you pull it out and set it on the counter—but it’s also the only thing there other than half a head of lettuce.

“What the hell?” You scan the empty shelves. “Do you need to go grocery shopping? Pierre’s is closed, but Joja’s open late if you need to pick anything up.”

“No need, I’ll go shopping tomorrow,” he says, hurrying over. He squeezes past you, puts a dash of cream in each mug, and pushes the coffee into your hands. “Go and sit down. I’ll put this away.”

“Oookay.” You furrow your brows. What’s going on? “I’m kind of in the mood for iced coffee, though. Can I let my cup cool in the freezer for a bit and add ice to it?”

“Yes.”

A beat of silence.

“Do you mind…opening the freezer so I can put the mug in? My hands are a little full.”

“Right! Um, why don’t I do that and you sit down first?”

“Harv, I’m already holding the mugs. You just have to open the door. What’re you hiding in there, a dead body?”

You laugh; he doesn’t. Your chuckles die out, leaving the both of you to stand there in silence. If the townspeople were to pick your worst quality, it would probably be your stubbornness—a trait that rears its head now as you stand there, watching Harvey’s flush spread down his neck.

Finally, he sputters a resigned Okay and opens his freezer.

Behind his ice trays are stacks of Joja Mart frozen meals, everything ranging from meatloaf to fries to pizza to peas to chicken parmesan. He shifts a bag of carrots to make room for your coffee. When the door is closed again, you finally find your words.

“So…I guess I found your secret,” you say, making your way to the table and setting down his cup.

“I just don’t have time to cook for myself,” he insists, trailing behind you, “and when I do have free time, I’m too tired.”

“I’m not judging.” You shrug. “I mean, I’m not one to talk. I eat algae from the river and cookies from the trash.”

His face drains. “Wait, you eat what from the—”

“If you’re ever free, though, you can always join me on the farm for dinner. Or I can drop you off some lunch once in a while. I make big portions and freeze them for the week, and I don’t mind sharing.” You wave a hand at the airplane models in front of you. “Think of it as thank you for helping me out with these.”

“That’s…very kind of you, Farmer,” he says after a pause. His fingers curl around the back of a chair. “I might take your offer some time.”

You shoot him a smile. “Great. Now keep that gratitude in mind as we start working on these again.”

[mamawasatesttube]

“I know, I know, I’m stuck with you. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” please!

"Thanks for coming on such short notice." Dick both looks and sounds harried, Bat-comm in hand as he ushers Kon in from the balcony. "I'll try to be back as soon as I can, but you never know with Arkham breakouts—also, there's some leftover chicken soup in the fridge, if he can keep that down it'll be great, and—yes, B, I'm on my way, I heard you the first seventeen times—sorry, Conner, it's a bit hectic, but—"

"Hey, man." Kon gives him a reassuring thumbs-up. "I got this. You go do your thing and let me wrangle the poor sickly scrunkle, yeah?"

Dick pauses on one leg, one shoe on, the other in hand. "The scrunkle?"

"Tim," Kon clarifies. "You know, 'cuz he's scrunkly."

"...I see," Dick says, not sounding like he particularly sees at all. But there's no time to explain; he flashes a quick grin, fires off a two-fingered salute, and calls one more "Thanks again!", and then he's gone.

Kon cocks his head and waits.

After seventeen seconds, the jingle bell he stuck to the outside of Dick's bedroom windowframe on his way in chimes, and he snorts to himself as he superspeeds right on over to the fire escape outside.

"Predictable, Rob," he says, lounging midair. Tim, staring at the bell in his hand with great prejudice, scowls; the effect is rather ruined by his adorable hot pink bird-printed pajamas. "You definitely have a fever if you fell for that one."

Tim folds his arms over his chest and glares at him. Coughs. Glares some more. "I don't need a"—cough, cough—"babysitter. I'm not that sick. Dick's just fussing."

Kon eases himself back in through the window, closes it against the night air, and presses his lips to Tim's forehead, ignoring the way Tim splutters. He's cute when he gets grumpy. "Mmm, well, that certainly feels like a high fever to me!"

"It's only a hundred and one," Tim mutters. And coughs again. Christ on a bike, he really sounds like death warmed over. The red flush to ohis face really isn't helping things, either.

Also. Christ on a bike? Really? Sheesh, Kon's spending too much time with Ma's friends on Bingo Sundays.

"Mm, yeah, so we're getting you back in bed," Kon informs him, and plucks him off the ground, sets him on his hip like the world's most disgruntled toddler, and carries him back over to Dick's bed, where he's clearly been being fussed over already, if the box of tissues, empty mugs, and cough drops are anything to go by.

"I'm not that sick!" Tim protests. Kon sees right through him, though; his wiggles of dissent are weaker than usual. "I can help. You heard Dick earlier, it's all hands on deck—"

"Which is why, if things get particularly dire, Dick already said he'll call me in," Kon says, and draws the blankets up over Tim's chest. "Seriously, Rob. The others have it in hand. And I," he grins, cupping Tim's face in his palms, "have you in hand."

Tim favors him with a very flat look, followed by a very pathetic sniffle. Oh, jeez, Kon wants to bundle him up and feed him soup and fuss over him forever. "Ha ha."

"I know, I'm hilarious." Kon squishes his cheeks before letting go. "Now, I'm gonna go get you some soup and your next dose of meds, and you're gonna stay right here in bed and not try any more escape attempts because you know I'm gonna catch you and bring you right back. And we are gonna watch your choice of 'Wendy', 'Star Trek', 'Star Wars', or 'Lord of the Rings', until you inevitably knock the fuck out because you are sick as hell, dude, and I do not mean in the Tony Hawk way. Got it?"

Tim heaves a weary, put-upon sigh that just sends him into another coughing fit; it sounds rough and scratchy and painful just to hear, and Kon winces in sympathy, leaning over to rub his back. Aw, Tim...

"I guess I can live with that," Tim rasps, his eyes watering. Kon is seized by the urge to kiss his forehead again, properly this time; he wants to take care of him so bad.

"Good! 'Cuz you don't get a choice." Kon gently ruffles his hair, eases him back against his pillows, and then tuts softly to himself and strokes the hair back from Tim's sweaty forehead. His poor Rob...

"Yeah, I know, I know. I'm stuck with you." Tim sighs again, closing his eyes. After a moment, though, he smiles ever-so-slightly, his eyelashes dark against his pale cheeks. "...I wouldn't have it any other way."

That's gotta be the fever talking—it's true, and Kon knows it's true, but Tim wouldn't just say it like that—but it makes Kon's heart flutter all the same.

He leans down and kisses Tim's forehead before he can lose his resolve. "Right back at'cha, Rob," he says, smiling. "Now lemme go get you your soup."

"Good luck," Tim mumbles, opening his eyes just slightly. "Don't fall in, have fun, et cetera..."

Kon laughs. "Will do," he says, and stands to leave.

(It's not until he's waiting in front of the microwave that he realizes: since the moment he left Tim's side, he's been���quite literally—walking on air.)

50 Prompts About Devotion

[mimisempai]

You no longer need to hide who you really are

Summary

Through a small bowl for keys, Aziraphale once again realizes Crowley's kindness and how he always tries to hide it. It's his turn to show the demon all the good in him.

Notes

I know I've touched on this theme before... but it's true, Crowley is kind 

On Ao3

Rating G -  1684 words

"Aziraphale? What's with the bowl and the keys in it?"

Aziraphale, who was reading a book at his desk and having no idea what Muriel was talking about, got up and walked over to them. 

They were standing in front of the small table where the horse stood and where Crowley used to put his glasses every time he entered the shop.

He approached and saw the bowl that had caught their attention.

It was a small white porcelain bowl, the handles of which were two delicate angel wings, and the keys Muriel had mentioned were the keys to the bookshop.

The angel murmured fondly, "Crowley..."

Muriel looked at him in confusion and asked, "How do you know it's him, and why would he do such a thing?

"Where the heck are those keys?"

Crowley watched in amusement as Aziraphale rummaged through the pockets of his pants, then his jacket, before moving to the chair where his vest lay and searching its pockets as well.

Aziraphale ran a hand through his hair in annoyance.

"Angel."

The angel replied a little exasperated, "What?!"

Crowley pointed to his desk with his finger and said gently, "On the foot of the desk lamp."

Aziraphale breathed a sigh of relief and walked over to his desk, grabbing the keys before saying in a calmer tone, "Thank you, my dear."

Crowley said kindly, "One of these days you're going to have to find a place to put your keys, it's always the same, see, I don't have to look for my glasses anymore, they're always on the horse."

Aziraphale shrugged, "Yeah, yeah, you can lecture me some other day."

Then he was gone, to the sound of the demon's slight chuckle.

"Crowley must have done it for that reason," Aziraphale said in an emotional tone.

Muriel said softly, "He's really nice Mr. Grumpy, isn't he?"

Aziraphale nodded and Muriel continued, "But why does he always do this kind of thing in secret or as if it were nothing?"

Aziraphale replied quietly, "He's always done it that way. Probably because as a demon he risked a lot to do good, so he learned to hide the best part of himself. But I'll tell you a secret, Muriel. Crowley is the kindest person I know."

Muriel replied, "I know, I've always found him kind, even though he teased me a little at first, and even more so when we were in heaven. I wondered how a demon could be kind."

Aziraphale looked at them indulgently and replied, "I think by now you've been able to see that not everything is black and white, that goodness and kindness don't necessarily have to do with our nature as angels or demons, right?"

Muriel nodded and said with a small smile on their lips, "I live next to an angel and a demon, so yes..."

They threw a glance at the window and added, "Speaking of demons, here he comes. Are you going to thank him for that?"

Aziraphale smiled softly, "Oh yes, I'm going to thank him properly."

Muriel was still a long way from understanding everything about relationships, but they'd learned when it was time for them to retire so, they said softly, "As for me, I'm going to go have a hot chocolate at Nina's before I go home."

Aziraphale smiled gently at them, "Good evening, Muriel."

They gave him a quick salute before striding off, and just as they came through the door, Crowley entered.

Aziraphale barely gave the demon time to get through the door before he was beside him, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him tightly as he whispered, "Thank you."

Crowley laughed softly and replied, "Not that I'm complaining about a welcome like that, but why thank you?"

Aziraphale stepped back a little and showed him the bowl with the keys saying, "Thank you for this."

Crowley shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "Well, it's not much."

Aziraphale replied gently, "It may not mean much to you, but it does to me. Crowley, you took the time to do this for me because you saw that I was always looking for my keys. You did this for me. Why do you always deny the good things you do?"

The angel took the demon's hand in his own and continued, "You can slam me against the wall, I won't change my mind. You're kind and good, Crowley. That's your nature, regardless of the fact that you're a demon."

He brought the demon's hand to his lips and, eyes locked with Crowley's, kissed the palm gently before saying, "You're kind."

He watched the demon swallow and his cheeks color slightly before he breathed, "Angel...no, I..."

Aziraphale cupped his cheek and asked, "Crowley, my dear, would you allow me in return to show you how kind and good I think you are, as you have shown me how beautiful you find everything in me?"

Crowley had the urge to flee, but he also felt something new, the urge to stay and be praised by his angel.

Aziraphale said softly, "As it was with me, it's up to you, and if you accept, you can say stop at any moment and everything will stop without any consequences.

At that moment, seeing the angel's clear gaze and gentle smile, Crowley decided to let go. 

He said softly, "Okay..."

Aziraphale pecked him lightly on the lips and led him up the stairs to the bedroom.

Once in the room, he made Crowley sit on the edge of the bed and asked quietly, "Still good?"

Crowley nodded and replied somewhat defiantly, "Go ahead, Angel."

Knowing his demon, and knowing that this defiance was a way of hiding his embarrassment, he leaned down and kissed him gently on the forehead before placing his hands on the flaps of his jacket, removing it and placing it on a chair. He then undid his tie and placed it next to his vest, continuing to undress the demon until he was down to his underwear.

The angel took off his own jacket, bow tie, and cufflinks, which he also placed on the chair before rolling up his sleeves to his elbows.

"Will you lie down, my dear?"

Crowley obeyed and slid to the top of the bed before lying down. Aziraphale came to sit on the edge of the bed and, taking one of Crowley's hands, gently kissed the inside of his wrist before saying softly, "You deserve the world, for it is what you give to the people you show kindness to."

He let go of the demon's hand and took the other, kissing the wrist in the same way and saying softly, "You're kind when you're willing to look like a villain to save a family's children and goats." 

Aziraphale climbed onto the bed, then straddled the demon, leaned down and pressed a kiss to its chest before saying, "You are kind when you take under your wing an angel who is terrified at the thought of having thwarted God's will."

He slid down the demon's legs and gently took one of the feet in his hands.

"Angel, no..."

"Does that mean stop?" Aziraphale asked softly.

He looked up to see Crowley covering his face with his arm as he replied, "No..."

Aziraphale gently kissed the ankle, then said softly, "You're kind when you come to save an idiot angel who got himself into a bad situation because of his sweet tooth."

This made the demon laugh slightly, so Aziraphale put his foot down and took the other in turn, kissing the other ankle and saying softly, "You're kind when you rescue a few books from the rubble because an angel is desperate to have lost them."

The angel continued to dot the demon's body with tender kisses, enumerating all of Crowley's acts of kindness.

Getting close to the demon's face, he pulled his arm away and, placing his hands on the flushed cheeks, said softly, "Crowley, you're kind, even when you did your demon work, you always gave people free will to choose whether to do evil or not. You've given people a chance to do the right thing regardless. You always tried to be as kind as you could, as best you could under the circumstances. Knowing that it could have terrible consequences for you. I know this because I've been the object of your kindness countless times. You are kind. You don't have to hide it anymore, at least not from me."

Crowley shook his head slightly and, placing his hands on the angel's, said, "Do you know, Angel, how hard it is to deny for thousands of years what you are deep inside, to forbid yourself to be who you really are, knowing it will cost you dearly? To weigh all your actions and words because the slightest revelation, the slightest weakness will have terrible consequences? Then there was you, to whom I could show that kindness while denying it. Because there were no consequences. Because you accepted it. You insisted on seeing it in me when I wouldn't and couldn't show it. So be patient, because it's probably going to take me some time to openly acknowledge it." 

Aziraphale pressed a light kiss to his lips, "I am not asking you to change, just to accept that those who love you as I do see your kindness and good heart. Even in something as simple as a little bowl for the keys of an airhead angel."

Crowley chuckled slightly, and Aziraphale pressed his lips to the demon's again, kissing his laughter.

Then he slid onto his side, resting his head on the demon's chest, who wrapped his arms around him.

Crowley murmured quietly, "Thank you, Angel. For allowing me to be who I really am, at least with you, all these years."

Aziraphale replied softly, "Happy to have been able to provide you with this little safe space."

He lifted his head and grabbed the demon's neck to bring his face closer, then pressed his lips to his to express better than words how much he loved his kind demon.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable Growing Love series : here (After season 2)

Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here (Before season 2)

[ms-nesbit]

west of wabash (chapter two of sweet home chicago)

jason todd x reader

rating: 18+

warnings: jason has feelings?, fluff, masturbation

summary: jason and y/n meet for their first date. that night makes for many firsts.

chapter one here

News broke to Gotham sooner than Jason returned to the shared suite. By the time he stepped off from the elevator, he was pestered by none other than Stephanie Brown.

“Soooooo,” she sang, bubbly with each letter, “Tim told me you met someone.” He briefly hung up, following the action with a text.

Next, Duke, with a subtle message, ‘Go get em, Jay. ps, bring home Garrett's’

As Jason reentered the suite, he was greeted by Dick. “Hey Jason.”

“Dick?”

Sighing, Dick sat up on the armchair. “I understand you might be upset. I already sent a message telling everyone that your matters are private, and I had a talk with Tim.”

Jason's shoulders relaxed, the tension falling from them like an avalanche. “That's…thanks, Dick, ‘cause I keep getting messages and-”

“Man of the hour!” Tim erupted, thumbs up and smile wide as he entered the living room. “So you excited for tonight? Need help picking out an outfit?”

And again, a blizzard of irritation plummeted Jason, tone shifting quicker than Tim acknowledged. “I'll be fine. Just…leave me alone till after, got it? Not in the mood for your cupid bullshit, Timmy.”

Tim hid his hands in his hoodie center pocket as Jason locked himself into the bathroom, waiting until the shower started before speaking with Dick. “Why is he so upset about it? I've never seen a guy so angry about a date that he wants to go on.”

“You know, Tim-” Dick began in a paternal tone, causing a Tim to grumble in boredom, “-I already told you to be sensitive to Jason. Even before the fallout with Artemis, he's cautious, and we have to respect that.”

Through the hand painted door, Jason could overhear their conversation. The bathroom air was cloudy with steam, and condensation formed on Jason's phone screen as he held it with a half-finished, unsent message.

Stripping himself of his boxers, he set the phone down on the sink counter and stepped into the shower; he picked up a small bar of soap and rubbed it in his hands to make suds before he spread them along his chest and torso; loosening the product from the bottom of the conditioner bottle, Jason popped it open and squeezed some onto his palm, which he promptly lathered into his salt and pepper hair.

As he rinsed his hair, eyes closed, he recalled the way y/n's body looked in their uniform, leggings accentuating their wide hips, and their legs. Jason felt the warm rush of blood fall to his center, and he found himself wrapping his hand around his need, searching for something unfound in the godless city.

—

Combing his hair with his fingers to finish the entourage, Jason managed to dress appropriately (thanks to his conscientious older brother) for the date. He stepped back and glared at himself in the mirror, surprised at his resourcefulness on short notice. Before thinking, he called the number y/n left on the tab receipt, regretting his action but committing to it.

An answer. “Hello?”

“Uh,” Jason cleared his throat nervously, “hi, this is Jason, from the restaurant?”

“Oh yeah, Jason” y/n's voice was sultry as they repeated his name, “good to hear your voice again. What do you need?”

Jason cupped the back of his neck. “I was wondering if you'd like to grab a bite to eat tonight?”

“Hmm, that depends. What are you thinking?”

Pausing to think, he took a moment for himself. “Nothing like a nightclub or anywhere crowded. Did you maybe wanna get some dessert?”

Brief silence from the other end, before, “I know this might be touristy, but what about Molly's cupcakes in Wrigleyville?”

“Sure.” Jason was indifferent to cupcakes. He didn’t hate them - after all, food is food - but it was a new venture. “I'll see you there around 6?”

“Can't wait, Jason.” they saluted before hanging up.

Jason searched on his phone's GPS for the location. “So…right there? On Clark?” he used two fingers to zoom in on the street, inspecting the nearest intersections as he opened the bathroom door. “So, uh, Dick?”

He looked up from his screen to an empty room, and looked around before returning his eyes to the screen. Dick responded from the other room, “Yeah?”

“I'll be back in a few hours.” Jason stifled a grin as he plopped onto the sleeper couch, skimming through the menu of delectable treats.

—

Shutting the taxi door behind him, Jason looked at the storefront, the letters spelled out in blue cursive. He stood in front of it for a couple of minutes, casually making eyes with the cupcakes on display, taunting him for every last bit of self control he had left. It didn't help that the restaurant next door, which served Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, emitted aromas of cooked spam and pineapple. Surely, if y/n stood him up, he would take himself on a date for dinner and dessert.

A voice behind him snapped his attention away from his hunger. “I love this place.” Jason turned around to y/n, who was grinning at the eatery. They wore a rust-colored sweater dress with grey leggings underneath, and thick heels. Their curly hair was broader than he had seen at La Bomba earlier, and Jason was unsure of what he preferred. “Gonna take a picture, or show a handsome person to a good time?” they teased, wrinkling their nose at Jason.

“O-oh yeah, sorry, my bad.” he stuttered before rushing to the door, opening it for y/n. They stepped in, but not before giving Jason a bright smile and a flirtatious squeeze of his bicep. Jason stole a glimpse of y/n's ass as they passed, and watched as their hips dipped, on one side then another, as they stepped.

When Jason entered, he greeted by the smell of sugar and citrus, his mouth watering in anticipation. The interior was, in a word, homely: there were simple metal chairs and tables along the sides, leaving the center walkway to be clear for the (several) patrons placing their orders. the counters themselves presented a multitude of cupcakes with hand drawn pictures accompanying flavors, including a few marked Literary Cupcakes with flavors inspired by Willy Wonka (chocolate ganache with a gum center), Matilda (red velvet and blueberry), and Little Women (earl grey with a blueberry and lavender buttercream frosting).

Before Jason could process it all, he and y/n were at the counter, with y/n placing their order. “...and could I have a cookie monster cupcake as well?”

“Sure thing!” the attendant responded enthusiastically. “And anything else?”

Jason blurted, looking frantically. “Could I have a key lime cupcake, and a uh…” he quickly decided on snagging one for each of his brothers. “white chocolate raspberry, carrot cake, s'more, and peanut butter cupcakes?”

The clerk quickly seized the flavors from the array, packing them up in a couple of plastic trays. She rung up the total, and Jason presented the clerk with a wrinkled bill. “Sorry about that, must've gone through the wash. You can keep the change.” he nodded, retrieving the delicacies and walking with y/n outside of the shop, where they both took a breath of fresh air.

“This your first time here?” they glanced at the tower of cupcakes in plastic packaging, then at Jason, who nodded. “They're good, though, I'll give you that.”

They snapped open the top packaging and opened the lid, picking up their cookie monster cupcake and taking a bite out of the side, the blue frosting leaning over slightly.

Jason followed suit, picking the peanut butter cupcake and shoving half of it into his mouth awkwardly. “Hnn-so g-rr-d.” he garbled with his mouth full, briefly forgetting that he was on a date. He instantly attempted to swallow the remaining part in his mouth, but began choking on a piece, coughing.

Y/n continued eating and watched in mixed emotion, giggling, which increased into laughter. “Dios, Jason, esperate, okay? Oh my god, you have to take your time.”

Face beet red from coughing and embarrassment, Jason concurred. “I'm not always like this, I just get really excited by food.” he made sure to take smaller bites of what used to be a cupcake.

“I've never seen someone that excited, and my parents used to have a dog that ate my ex's carne asada while she was taking a piss.”

The anecdote caught Jason off-guard, triggering another bout of laughter-slash-coughing.

“Here, let's sit down before we die, okay?” Y/n offered, pointing out a free bench they walked to. Once seated, y/n turned to Jason. “I don't usually do this, taking a stranger out on a date,” they grinned sheepishly, “but you looked super cute trying to decide what food you eat. What do you do, Jason? What are your interests?”

Jason wiped his hands together, cleaning the remnants of food left. “I uh, I come from Gotham, travel for work.” He was used to dropping this line at Bruce's galas, but felt guilty lying to y/n for some reason.

“Oh, so this is business?”

“No, actually, my brothers tricked me into a vacation.” Jason squinted, unsure if he should have admitted the fact to y/n. “They told me I work too much.”

Y/n nodded, and Jason felt their eyes on his physique. “I'm sure with a body and appetite like yours, you must work hard. What do you do exactly? Oh!” they exclaimed, curls bouncing. “How about you let me guess?” Jason shrugged. “Uh… firefighter, with those big arms?” they touched Jason's bicep again, this time with a tighter grip.

“Not sure if they travel.” Jason quipped.

“True.” Y/n's eyes moved to Jason's torso, then legs. “Personal trainer? Bodybuilder, if that even is a job?”

Jason chuckled. “Pretty sure I don't have a body of a bodybuilder, as much as I am flattered.”

“Oh, what, are you like, part of the Justice League or something? Wait - isn't Batman from Gotham?”

Jason rolled his eyes. “Yes, he is.”

“Maybe you're a hunky lawyer. I had a friend from El Paso who went to Gotham Law. Pretty solid school, but the crime rate is through the roof.” they commented.

“How about I just say that one of your selections was close to true and we call it even.” Jason quickly switched subjects. “How long have you been working at La Bomba?”

Y/n sat back on the bench, blowing raspberries while thinking. “Since I was 18? I thought I could do part time while in college, but I ended up dropping out. Go figure.”

The information piqued Jason's interest. “Oh, like Columbia? Or DePaul?”

Y/n shook her head. “Loyola. Pre-med.” they sharply inhaled, nostrils flared. “Turns out they can withdraw a grant and scholarships without notice or remorse. Sophomore year, I got an email, and poof - gone.” they spoke disheartenedly. “It was either I took out more loans, or I drop out.”

Jason shook his head slowly, scooting closer to y/n as he listened. “Colleges are criminal institutions masked as community offering, only utilizing their ever-growing power to further divide the line between the affluent and fortunate and people like you and me.” the words left his mouth without him noticing. “The average tuition has doubled since the 1980s, and acceptance rates for even state universities have declined to keep up with the luxurious for-profit institutions relishing in their swindling of students’ financial and mental security for the sake of upholding mostly racist and bigoted traditions since the birth of our country. It puts smart women like you in a position where, ultimately, you will lose, no matter the choice you make.”

Y/n blinked, intaking the information. “So many things  I have to say to that, but first…” they began, “I identify as agender, not a woman or man. I know I present as feminine, but I just… don't believe that necessarily defines me.” Jason quickly apologized. “You didn't know. But… you're white and, from the clothes you're wearing, rich. How would you know about what we go through?”

“I don't know much, but I used to live on the streets. Complicated story. I was adopted by a rich guy, and even though I now dress like a rich guy, I still have those mannerisms. Some of the things that happened to me growing up, that I had zero control over, follow me even now.

“It's not something I wear on my forehead because I do have privilege. I get to spit on cops without getting killed. But I do know what it's like making those decisions because there's no trust fund that daddy set up.”

Y/n closed the gap between their legs and Jason's, their knees touching. “I'm sorry for assuming.” They said. “Do you maybe want to come over my place to continue this? Assuming that you're probably at a hotel.”

Jason's eyes met y/n's, and he felt the strange feeling he felt at La Bomba. He wanted to lean in, as if a voice in his head was urging him to kiss y/n, find out if their lips were as soft as they appeared.

Instead, he replied, “You lead the way.”

[princesspastel8]

Chapter 49

Third POV

It's now another week, Monday to be, in fact. After that incident, Eboni quickly got better. Anything said to or about her would be met with a middle finger or any weapon she could grab to their throat. Her backbone is coming back, thanks to Jeff, and being surrounded by crazy serial killers would make the process much faster.

Also, Eboni can't keep her hands off of Jeff. They're moving slowly, but sometimes Jeff would have to remind her to slow down for her sake. Jeff has given Eboni full control over the bedroom, letting her guide his hands on her body, making her say what she wants done to her instead of him making the first moves. He's teaching Eboni to be more vocal to avoid any more traumatic memories.

Right now, Eboni is watching the news with a blank expression, Jeff's arm wrapped over her shoulder- making Eboni lean into him. EJ soon joins them along with BEN, Sally, Laughing Jack, Toby, and Hoodie.

"....I think it's time for me to go back."

All eyes turn to Eboni, some surprised but others full of understanding - Jeff is a part of the surpised ones. "What the hell- why?"

"Look at that shit. Look at them. Their lies. That bitch. There's...still a few loose ends that need tying up."

"But those fuckers aren't-"

Eboni looks at Jeff, an emotion swimming in them that he can't detect. The two stare at each other until Jeff eventually gives in. He moves to whisper in her ear. "Proud of you, princess."

The praise makes her heart swell as she smiles. She looks up at him, the two sharing a quick kiss. "Walk me home?"

"Mhm."

"Wait, Eboni, I don't wanna see you go!"

"Then close your eyes." BEN said nonchalantly with a shrug of his shoulders.

BEN is, of course, met with a pillow to his face. He should be thankful sally doesn't use knives. Eboni stands, stretching her limbs. She walks towards the front door, but EJ stops her.

"Wait- hold on, what's your plan? There's no way you won't be questioned by the police. And thanks to that douch bag, they know you're linked to Jeff somehow. Wasn't the police already suspicious of that theory?"

"Mhm, I'm sure they have my phone. Though BEN made sure to delete any trace of messages linking me to Jeff the moment he saw the news on Thanksgiving. I'm sure Tiffany might send me to a mental institution, though that would tank their image. I wouldn't be surprised if they bugged the whole house, so BEN, I'm gonna need you on standby."

"Ma'am yes ma'am!" The link look alike said, saluting.

"Then what about those mean people always next to your parents?" Sally asked, still hating that Eboni is leaving.

Eboni thought long and hard about that, about them. They've caused so much hell for her, and she's sick of it. If they dared to try anything else, they're as good as dead. She grins, tilting her head to look at sally while opening the front door.

"No worries. I'll be fine. Cross my heart and hope to die."

"Stick a needle in your eye!" Sally giggles, feeling reassured that Eboni will be just fine.

Eboni and Jeff leave so after, both walking in silence on the trail back to Eboni's home. It's evening time now, the sun beginning to set slowly. Jeff stays behind Eboni, feeling too uneasy to speak. He doesn't want her to return back to the hell that almost took her life - took her away from him.

Though during Eboni's time at the mansion, Jeff hates how close the girl has gotten to some of the proxies. Sure, she fits right in that it would be a good thing for some, but not for Jeff. Fitting into the mansion means becoming another one of Slenderman's mindless slaves. Jeff is anything, but that. He still has a will.

Yet he sees Eboni's will reshaping into something he can't recognize. She was once a shell of herself but is slowly coming into her own again. However, he notices hints of changes that he absolutely hates. The first is how willing she is to do anything she's told around the mansion by other high-ranking proxies to avoid confirtation. She's doubting herself, and it shows. She's forgotten that her life should only be devoted to him - not to others. Jeff will remind her of that, all in due time.

Upon seeing her home, Jeff curses at the number of people surrounding it. It's not a lot, but the sight of a news Cruiser and a few unwelcomed faces set him off. The smiling killer looks at Eboni, noticing how oddly blank her face is. He tries to follow what her eyes are looking at in particular and notices a tall blonde male with bright blue eyes and broad shoulders. Jeff tilts his head, putting two and two together - making his eyes widen and anger suddenly flair.

"....is that -"

"Yes." Eboni whispers, turning to face Jeff. "And you aren't allowed to hurt him."

"What the fuck- why not!?"

"Because...of what slenderman would do to you.."

"When have I ever gave two fucks on what that faceless stick pole could do to me!?"

"True, but what about me?" Eboni questions softly, moving closer to place her hands on his chest as she presses herself against him. "I'll be alone again if you get sent to that white room.."

Jeff stares down at her, hands clenched into fists. He wants nothing more than to go over there and rip Alex's heart out, but the sight of Eboni's pleading doe honey brown eyes & pouty lips keeps in him place. He also doesn't want to incriminate Eboni even more. No doubt will the police question her. It's not logical for an eightteen year old girl to nearly kill herself, disappear, and suddenly appear again in the built of health. If Alex never mentioned Jeff, then suspicion wouldn't be lingering in the air.

Jeff moves to place both hands on Eboni's cheeks, squeezing them together. He clicks his tongue, "Fine...fine fuck- just be careful."

"I will -"

Jeff glances up, noticing Taylor there as well, making his rage resurface. "I mean this shit princess, be extra careful. You hear me?"

Eboni tries to nods but Jeff keeps her head in place. "I wanna hear you say it."

"I'll ay- afe-" Eboni tries to say with her lips smashed together.

Jeff chuckles, stealing a kiss from her and stepping away. "Mhm, call me when you need me, princess."

Eboni nods, stealing another kiss before backing further away. "I will Jeff, promise."

"Wrong response. Try again."

The girl huffs, rolling her eyes. "Yes, Daddy, I'll behave."

He laughs, "That's my girl. Now go. I'll watch you until you're inside."

Eboni nods her head, pulling away and walks through the lining of the forest. She looks back at Jeff one more time. The killer gives an encouraging nod, which gives Eboni the courage she needs to keep walking towards her home. The girl makes a b-line for the back door, but a loud gasp stops her.

"Eboni!? Oh Eboni, is that really you?!" Tiffany cries, rushing to the girl with Daniel close behind.

Eboni says nothing, clicking her tongue. When Tiffany goes in for a hug, the girl holds her hands up - stopping them. "Don't you dare touch me. Wouldn't want any of your fakeness to rub off on me."

"Wh-What? Sweetheart, what are you -?"

"You're like a cold. You go away for long periods of time, then suddenly come back like it never left. I'm just a pawn for your image, just like all the other foster kids before me. Sure, you're not abusive - but leaving me to my own devices for so long? And not believing a single word I said about him? Fuck you, and fuck your money. You-"

"Eboni! Eboni! What is it that could've driven you to run away? And stage such a scene like that in your own home?" The news reporter questions.

Eboni's eye twitches, and having a mic and camera shoved into her face is sending her over the edge. She snatches the mic and slames it to the ground, breaking it. Eboni reaches for the camera, snatching it from their hand and begins slamming it into the ground over and over again until it's nothing but bits and pieces.

"You heathen! Any idea how much this'll come out of my paycheck!?"

"My 'parents' will reimburse you, right?" Eboni grins, tilting her head at Tiffany & Daniel. "You two went on and ooooon about how much you missed and loved me. So this should be nothing, yeah?"

"E-Eboni...this isn't -"

"Tha' one shitty way ta' greet ya' parents."

"I'd have to agree, Ebs. That's not really nice, but I'm so glad you're back!" Alex cheers happily.

Eboni stares at the two, her body beginning to shake from fear - but mostly rage. She raises her hands to keep them away, which Alex grabs. The action makes a disgust feeling settle into her stomach. When Alex moves to caress her cheek, Eboni snaps her head and bites into his hand- breaking through his flesh.

Alex screeches, moving to punch Eboni off, but the girl lets go, shielding herself behind Tiffany and Daniel. "See! See, look! He was about to punch me! I told you two!"

Tiffany & Daniel can't deny it anymore. Maybe there was some truth in Eboni's words before. The two considered that if Eboni were to return that she'll be placed into a mental institution, but after witnessing this, both have changed their mind. Tiffany turns around to wrap her arm around the girl's shoulder, guiding her into her house. Daniel tries to keep Alex and Taylor out, but the two force their way inside.

"Ain't no way ya' believing ha' bullshit! Tiff!"

"That boy tried to lay hands on Eboni. There may be truth to her story!"

"She was drunk and high!"

"Because of Alex!" Eboni screams, pulling away from Tiffany. She just about had enough of Taylor's crap. "You left me. You just hate him and me so much that you pushed me into the arms of a rapist!"

"I'm not a rapsit! You didn't say n-"

Eboni reaces for a glass vase from the living room table and throws it towards Alex's head. Everyone stares at her, the murderous look in Eboni's eyes chilling everyone to the bone. The girl rolls her shoulders, trying to shake off the rage - a mannerism she gained from Jeff.

"Fuck...I'm so tired. So tired of all of you, the sound of you breathing is so..so annoying." Eboni grumbles, staring off at nothing in particular. "It took me having to disappear and almost dying for my 'parents' to give a shit. It took them having to witness Alex almost attack me to believe a bit of my truth. Yet here I am, still trying to be made a fool out of." Eboni looks a Taylor, eyes voided - mostly dead like. "Your existence is so pitiful that it almost makes me feel bad for you. You minimize my suffering just because it doesn't measure up to your own. You've been a shitty friend since day one. Everything you've done has been for your own gain. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt since Iris cares for you still- yet here you are trying to ping me as a liar just to defend a guy that couldn't care less if you died or not. So... could you do everyone that had the misfortune to know you in some way - to jump off a building? Or better yet, choke on a dick and die. That seems like a much fitting way for someone like you to go."

To say everyone is stunned would be an understatement. No one had expected Eboni's words to be so harsh yet truthful. Tiffany lowers her head in shame while Daniel rubs the back of his head awkwardly. Taylor remains stuck to the ground, body shaking in what Eboni can guess is embarrassment & shame. Alex seems to be the only one unaffected by Eboni's words.

"Ebs, Ebs- come on now. You don't mean all of that. You're just exhausted from all that's happened. Everyone knows he kidnapped you. Maybe you're just dealing with stockholm syndrome? It is very common when -"

"Blah..blah blah blah- ugh! You always did talk to fucking much even as a kid." Eboni sighs, walking over to him. She kicks him in his knee, knocking him to the ground. She grabs his collar, leaning forward to whisper in his ear. "I look forward...to the day he hangs your guts on a tree like Christmas ornaments. Your head will be the tree topper."

Alex eyes widen, a bit shaken and surprised that Eboni is even touching him, though he calms down when he realizes the girl is trembling. The male grabs her wrist tightly, so tight it'll bruise later. He stands, dusting himself off and curses under his breath from the pain of his knee.

"Oh, Ebs. I look forward to the police finally locking him away. When that happens, you'll be aaaall mine." He giggles, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before backing away. "Thank you for your hospitality, Tiffany & Daniel. I'm sure you'll forget what happened just a few moments ago - since well, my parents are your top investors to your company."

Eboni's eyes widen. She knows his family is rich, but not that rich. She turns to look at the two adults, neither of them daring to look the girl in her eyes. Eboni sucks in a shaky breath, her body breaking out in cold sweats. Just when she thought they'd do something to defend her, it all came crumbling down- thanks to Alex.

"....get out." Eboni said under her breath but loud enough for the two intruders to hear.

"Ya' can't -"

Eboni moves swiftly to sock Taylor straight in the nose, the blonde stumbling back at the force. She surely broke her nose. "Get out! I said GET OUT. GET OUT, GET OUT!" she screams, louder and louder until the two finally leave the home.

She makes a B-line to the stairs, but Tiffany stops her. "Wait! Eboni sweetheart, we can -"

"I get it! I fucking get it! Damn...so you two did believe me but didn't want to lose your biggest cash cow huh?" Eboni questions, tilting her head.

"Dear...it isn't like th-"

"Then please explain. Give me a reason why I should trust any of the shit you're about to spit!"

"This isn't his first time. Alex is known for doing this kind of thing, at least among the adults. Unfortunately, his parents are the riches in town. They have the money to pay off his victims. The same thing happened to another young girl we fostered."

Eboni can't help the bitter chuckles that leaves her lips. It makes sense why Alex didn't offer her any money to keep quiet. He loves her, in his own hellish way. The thought makes her want to vomit. Eboni moves past Tiffany, head low.

"Just...damn.. you all are just a waste of space on this miserable planet." She sighs, ignoring Tiffany calling her name as the girl walks up the stairs and into her room.

Eboni doesn't bother locking her door, taking in the state of her room. It's just as she left it, destroyed. She can't find her phone or any working electronics. Clearly, the police have searched her room, making it pretty obvious. Yet right now, that's the least of Eboni's worries.

A few hours have passed. Eboni cleaned up her bathroom to take a much needed shower. Once comfortable, she tries to settle into bed but hears an odd yet faint breathing coming from... all around her? The girl sits up, scanning her room for any signs of movements but finds nothing.

"Ah...noticed me finally, Ebs."

"No...no fucking away.." she whispers, voice shaky. Even in the comfort of her room, she can't escape her tormentor. "You...Y-You.."

"Yup! I bugged your room! I had to Ebs. It wasn't that hard, though invading the police was." He laughs.

"....why? Wh-Why can't you just leave me alone!?" She shouts.

"Oh my Ebs, you know why. It's because I love you, silly! Can't have that clown try to take you away from me again."

"He didn't take me! He saved me!"

"Did he now? My poor Ebs and her Stockholm syndrome - but it's ok! I'll fix you right up in due time!"

At this point, Eboni is curled up into herself, knees to her chest as she begins to cry. She doesn't have her phone or any other device, so she can't reach out to Jeff. All Eboni can do is call his name in desperation, almost pleading. To her surpise, her calls reach him.

Jeff stumbles out of her closet, blood coating his hands and hoodie. He has his knife firmly gripped into his hand. The sight of Eboni crying pushes him towards her, dropping the knife to the ground. He quickly scoops the girl into his arms, rocking her to calm her.

"Jeff...J-Jeff...your-"

"Yeah, I'm here. I'm here." He whispers.

Eboni pulls away, looking up at him with teary pleading eyes. "Please..."

"Please, what?" He questions, eyes widening at how quickly Eboni's mood darkens.

With obscure puffy eyes, she pulls away, standing to her feet, and walks towards her closest. She pulls out her box of toys, reaching in to grab her pink rope. The girl turns her head, a lopsided grin displaying her mischievous intentions.

"Clothes off. Lay on your damn back, hands above your head."