#id better get my ao3 invite soon

[thighzp]

For those who prefer to read on tumblr over AO3, here is the newest chapter I posted today! I'll be posting in both places to get maximum eyes on the work. Now do enjoy, because I made myself horny on the LORD'S DAY to write this, as Skippy would have wanted!

(tagging those who showed love on the original post! @itsalinh, @fanfic-keeps-me-sane, @alexgraphyy, @arrpegio, @hawklovesskippy)

Here are some important visuals for you lovely readers: Picture 1950s Hawk and Tim for the 2012 flashbacks, okay? That innocent little dorky Skippy smile melts my fucking heart. And I personally find Hawk to be very daddy in the 50s (before he was actually even a daddy). I'm thinking up titles, and I have a playlist of songs going that will inspire certain chapters of the book, so chapter titles will be coming soon as well with lyrics of songs that inspired each installment. Gird your loins, we're jumping right into some light to medium smut. ***

The loud music thumped in Tim’s ears as he pushed through the crowded bar. It was the first weekend of his graduate program at Georgetown and he, against his better judgment, agreed to meet up with some classmates he met at orientation. He never went out much in undergrad, mostly opting to stay in his dorm room and study or catch up on his shows while his other peers stumbled through the streets of the small college town.

Now that he had one degree under his belt, he felt like it was time to be a damn adult and see what the bar scene was like in his new city. Besides, at least he was now 21 and didn’t get that pins-and-needles feeling across his skin when he handed a bouncer his ID. Even if his fake that he’d acquired through his freshman roommate did look enough like him and he had memorized the address and date of birth of the man on the card, it still made him extremely squirrely and anxious and usually resulted in ducking out of the line and telling his friends he forgot he had work he needed to catch up on.

The bar was dark and filled with bodies, Tim’s brow already beginning to sweat as the music pulsated with his heartbeat. He finally shoved his way up to the bar and shouted for the bartender to bring him the same beer the guy before him had just ordered. He set down enough cash to cover the single beer as well as a tip, and turned his back toward the bar.

Tim leaned back against the counter, elbows propped up behind him on either side. He perused the crowd for anyone he recognized from orientation this past week. His gaze failed to fall upon any familiar faces, but he did catch the eye of another man across the bar. His heart leapt into his throat and he took a sip of the amber colored ale to try to push it down.

The man was older than him by at least ten years. This was not a concern for Tim, as most of his past lovers were well above his own demographic. The man was sipping his cocktail through the skinny black straw bobbing over the top of the drink. His blue eyes were locked on Tim, and Tim could feel his cheeks getting hot.

He subtly tried to look to his right and left to make sure that the man’s eyes were, in fact, trained on him. The man removed his lips from his drink and one corner of his mouth drew upward, indicating that Tim’s attempt at being covert had definitely failed. Tim let out a breathy chuckle to himself and threw the man a wink. Taking this as an invitation, the man began to walk towards him.

Tim pushed his back off the bar and began walking to meet the man on the dance floor. Though he did not go out much to the college bars with his friends over the past four years, he had plenty of experience meeting men in bars around his hometown. He knew the game and he had to admit, he played it well.

The man’s eyes never broke contact as they squeezed through a sea of bodies to get to one another. Once they reached each other in the mass of drunken college students, the man leaned down into Tim's ear, and just loudly enough over the music, said, “Your lips look so pretty wrapped around that beer bottle.”

Tim’s breath caught in his throat at the man’s forwardness. He’d encountered many a pickup line, but none that sent the blood rushing from his head and into his pants quite like that one. The man towered over him by at least 5 inches, to where Tim had to crane his neck up to meet the man’s gaze. Using his thumb and forefinger, Tim adjusted his thick framed glasses and on tiptoe, he placed his mouth right next to the man’s ear. His voice came out deeper than he expected, and thank God, because inside he felt his heart squealing like a little girl.

“So you think I’m pretty?”

With his one free hand, the man grabbed Tim’s waist and pulled him close. Tim was pleased with his choice of words, as he could now feel the man’s hard-on pressed against his leg. It took every ounce of self control Tim had not to rip this man’s clothes off in front of all these people. The man read Tim’s mind, or perhaps recognized the animalistic look in Tim’s eyes, as he grabbed Tim’s hand and began leading him off of the dance floor.

Once they reached the edge of the crowd, the man wasted no time before setting both of their drinks down on an empty table and pushing Tim against the nearest surface, which was the wall next to the men’s bathroom. Tim’s back was against the wall with the man’s massive hand cradling the back of his neck. The man used his other hand to place it under Tim’s stubble and tilt his chin up until their lips were millimeters apart, both men breathing heavily.

“Do you do this often?” Tim asked breathily. “Cruise for younger men at the college bars?”

“Ouch,” the man had a pained expression, though the sultry smirk never left his lips. “How old do you think I am?”

Tim gently nipped at the man’s neck, trailing light kisses upward until he reached the man’s ear. “Old enough to know better than to start something unless you want to finish it.”

The man pressed his hips against Tim’s, closing the space between the two of them and kissing Tim so deeply that he nearly choked on his breath. “How about this,” the man said as he pulled away from Tim’s desperate lips. “I’m gonna go close my tab, and when I get back here, if you’re still here, I’d like for you to come home with me.”

Tim rocked his hips against the man one more time before pulling away, “I’ll go get us a cab.” The man practically growled in Tim’s ear, placed a sloppy kiss just below Tim’s earlobe, and turned his attention back toward the crowded room. Tim watched as the man’s broad, muscular shoulders and back towered over the tiny women he had to push through to get back to the bar. He felt a surge of pride as he watched these college girls ogle at the man he was about to go home with. If only they knew, he thought, that the man’s stature clearly translated to other things of impressive size, if the feeling against Tim’s thigh had been any indication.

Tim finally tore his gaze from the man as he turned and exited the back door of the bar. As he stepped out into the hot August night, his ears still ringing from the loud music, he looked down the street and held up a hand to hail a taxi. A handful of other people were on the curb trying to do the same, a group of raucous frat boys jumping in the first cab that pulled up. Just as well, Tim thought. His suitor had not met him out back yet anyway.

Just then, the back door of the bar opened and his conquest emerged into the dark night. It did not require many strides of his long legs before he was back in front of Tim, grabbing his face and driving their lips together. The man’s lips were hot on Tim’s as he closed the space between their bodies once again. Tim felt something twitch in his pants at the thought of onlookers in this dark alley behind the bar, watching the two men, all hands and lips and teeth.

The man leaned down to kiss and bite at Tim’s neck, just above the collar of his shirt. While the man was sucking and licking at a spot of his skin, Tim took in the surroundings. He was sure the man was going to leave a mark, but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t enjoying a bit of voyeurism. Groups of girls whispering as they passed the men, missing available taxis that passed by because they were too busy in their moment of passion.

Then, Tim saw a man leaning up against the back door of the bar, having a smoke just under the bright security light that lit up the back alley. With two fingers, the stranger removed the cigarette from between his lips as he kept his eyes locked on Tim, his expression unreadable. Tim threw his head back as his own stranger placed his hand on his ass, clawing desperately at the smaller man. The man with the cigarette ashed it on the brick wall of the bar, ran a hand through his hair, and folded his arms. He wasn’t even pretending not to watch. He was enjoying the show that Tim was putting on for him.

Tim created a fantasy in his head of the stranger joining himself and his suitor in the back of the cab, the three of them fervently swapping sloppy kisses on the way to the original man’s home. Though he already had one man locked in for the night, the man who was whispering absolute filth in Tim’s ear about all the things he wanted to do to him, Tim couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to have the two men worshiping his body at once. The dimly lit stranger shifted on his feet, appearing to become uncomfortable at the tightness in his own pants.

The fantasy world Tim had created was fractured when his suitor pulled away and finally flagged down a taxi. He opened the car door for Tim like a gentleman and slapped Tim’s ass as he climbed into the back seat. The man told the driver the address of their final location for the night. As the cab began pulling away from the bar, Tim watched as the stranger stomped out his cigarette, turned on his heels, and disappeared into the dark of the night.

[spodokaiba]

what if i wrote a g witch fantasy au where suletta is from the middle of nowhere and miorine is an actual straight up princess and aerial is a sentient magic sword that can form armor and a shield and shit

[shyanshippingsociety]

Shyan Shipping Society Fic Promo - March 13 to March 19

last week

more fic promo from the incredible authors at the sss!

March 13

Watch Your Language by ouijaboy (futureboy) | T, 8K, on-going

“He’s deaf as hell, dude. Can’t hear so much as a squeak. You really didn’t know about Shane?”

Prequel to the Deaf!Unsolved AU. Ryan, fresh on the job, decides he wants to get to know one of the other newbies a little better - the only obstacle is that he doesn’t know any ASL.

March 17

I Will Follow You Into The Dark by sffrblr | G, 2K, complete

Shane wakes up in a waiting room with Ryan asleep on his shoulder. After spending most of their adult lives together, they pick the afterlife they want together.

Insp. Kisaragi Station, the Buddhist perspective of afterlife, and I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab for Cutie. A short and sweet one-shot about the afterlife.

(Also: "Ryan's afraid [to die], because he doesn't know what comes after it." "And you do?!")

scorched by the sun by FireflyAndTheStoryJar | T, 1K, complete

Based on the SSS prompt of the day: It's the Ides of March, write something about Shakespeare! Are the boys putting on a Shakespeare play? Are they in one?

Reunion by ouijaboy (futureboy) | E, 2K, complete

“Go and deal with your man, Tinsley,” he says instead, pinching the bridge of his nose. “He’s not my man,” Tinsley mutters, but he’s already reaching for his hat and jamming his keys into the cabinet.

[Ricky Goldworth is back in town. Tinsley goes to meet him.]

March 18

Sky’s in the Ceiling by ouijaboy (futureboy) | E, 7K, complete

“Oh, shit,” he realizes. “Did I pick up Netflix and Chill weed?!”

Shane is a weird dude to get high with. When Ryan invites him over to try a new strain he got hold of together, things get…. Even weirder. Recreational drug use, smut, concealed feelings abound!

if you want to read some more fics, you can always check out our ao3 collection! see you soon! ♡

[utaxnanami]

1895 - A rainy day

A/N: To clear any confusion:

Annie is a Shelby- sister- OC and she is the second oldest.

I named the Shelby-mom Kathie, after one of John’s daughters, because the Shelby’s are known for reusing names ( Arthur, Charlie).

Ages in this one-shot:

Arthur – 8

Annie – 7

Tommy – 5

Also, the obligatory warning, that English isn’t my first language.

This is cross posted on AO3

Anne Shelby Series

Summery: A rainy day keeps the three Shleby siblings inside.

Shelby mom centric

Word count: 1466

Warning: none

The three Shelby siblings had been cooped up inside the small house all day because it had been heavily raining since the night before. And just like the grey outside of Birmingham, the children’s moods had equally been dampened.

Jack, a close friend of Arthur and Annie, had gotten a new ball for his birthday the day before and he had promised to play with them today. He had even invited Tommy to come along, which had the boy in an especially bad mood. Because lately his two older siblings liked to exclude him from their adventures and Tommy jumped for every opportunity to tag along.

No amount of reassurance from their mother, that tomorrow the clouds would clear, and they could play then, seemed to lift their bad moods. So, the siblings all decided to do their own things, not forgetting to put on a sad face when their mother looked in their directions, in hopes she would take pity on them and let them go out anyways.

Tommy was quietly playing with a wooden horse under the dining table. A big contrast to his usually loud laughter. Arthur and Annie were sitting on the table with Arthur drawing horses that looked better and better every day and Annie using the quite to read a book, her teacher had lent her.

The only things breaking the quite from time to time were the small sounds Tommy made while playing and Annie occasionally asking for help reading a word, she didn’t know jet.

Setting the bedsheets, she was folding aside, she made her way downstairs, where the cries got louder, and she could now hear Arthur, who tried to shush his younger brother – telling him to be quite and that everything was ok.

Their mother, heavily pregnant with child number four, used the down time to get some housework done, despite Polly telling her to take it easy. Her sister-in-law – despite being only elven – had warned her, that the child would be born early, and that Kathie should rest as much as possible. And while she trusted Polly’s judgement – the girl had a neck for these kinds of things – Kathie couldn’t not work. Because if Polly was right, she would need to be prepared. The brunette had predicted another boy, and with the number of kicks Kathie received from the baby every day since the beginning of her third trimester, she knew that she was going to have a troublemaker on her hands.

Kathie was upstairs folding the laundry when she suddenly heard a loud crash from downstairs, followed by who she assumed was Tommy crying out for her. A big sigh left her. Of course, the quite wouldn’t last long, not with three bored children.

Standing on the last step, overseeing the mess and trying to piece together what had happened, Kathie could only shake her head. One of the dining chairs was lying on the floor, Tommy sitting right next to it with Annie trying to soothe the crying boy. Arthur, who hadn’t heard her come down the stairs, was standing with his back to her, still trying to get Tommy to calm down.

“What happened?” Kathie asked and scaring Arthur, who flinched and slowly turned around, averting his eyes and looking at the ground. Tommy jumped up and ran to her, hugging her legs, and burying his face in her side. She ran her fingers through his dark hair, noticing how long it had gotten again. He would need a new haircut soon, Arthur too.

“And what have I told you about playing in the house?”

Raising one eyebrow at her oldest son, she repeated her question. But Annie was the one answering instead.

“We were just playing mum. It was Tommy’s idea to play catch.”

“No running…”

With another shake of the head, Kathie went over to the table and sat down on one of the chairs, letting Tommy crawl on her lap. He had stopped crying by now, resting both of his little hands on his mother’s swollen belly. While Annie picked up the fallen chair and slide it back under the table again, Arthur had walked over to his mother, eyes still trained on the ground, refusing to look her in the face

“I’m sorry mum, didn’t mean for Tommy to get hurt.” His voice was small, riddled with guilt.

She couldn’t help but remember a very similar day from years ago when Arthur and Annie had still been toddlers and Tommy had just been born. The two had been peacefully playing together while she nursed the baby and from one moment to the next seemingly all hell broke loose. The sound of someone hitting the floor was followed by a sharp cry. One of those with the big intakes of breath in in between , the one where you knew it was bad. And of course, the noise had startled Tommy out of his sleepiness, and he had joined his sister with the crying. She then not only had a crying toddler and a crying baby on her hands, walking in the room to see what had happened, she also had a crying Arthur to calm down. With all the crying, Kathie too had felt like crying. Her husband had, like always, been off who knows where, leaving her to care for the children and in moments like these, she felt very alone and overwhelmed.

“I know love, but I’m not the one you have to apologize to.”

Kathie put one hand to Arthur’s face, gently lifting it, so he was finally looking her in the eyes. Her heart broke a little when she saw the unshed tears. Arthur was a good boy, a little wild at times but also very sensitive. He hated hurting someone. Especially his siblings.

Back then Kathie had sworn to herself, that three children would be enough, and that she would not be able to handle more. But the pain in her back and her aching feet reminded her of the broken promise. And she had the feeling, that baby number four would not be the last either.

“It’s ok, Arthur. I forgive you!” Tommy gave his older brother one of his big toothy smiles, climbed of his mother’s lap to hug Arthur. The older boy eagerly returned the hug. Annie, standing now next to her siblings, offered an apology as well and was pulled into the arms of her brothers.

Kathie couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t easy, taking care of the children, having to worry about food and clothing and whether they could pay rent this month or not, but witnessing moments like these always made it worth.

“Who wants to help me prepare dinner?”

So, when she finally made her way upstairs to tell the children a goodnight story, she found them all already in the bed they shared, cuddled together and soundly sleeping. Annie, lying in the middle with one brother on either side of her, was still holding the book she clearly used to read them all to sleep with. It was the same one she had read earlier that day.

A chorus of “ME!” ’s and “I want to!” ’s followed and together with the kids, dinner was prepared just so that Arthur came home when Annie finished setting up the table. Kathie welcomed her husband with a kiss, and he returned the affection while placing one hand on her swollen belly. Rubbing the children’s hairs when he passed them on the way to the dining table.

After dinner, Arthur had left for the pub – there was barely a day he didn’t spend as much time as possible away from home – and Kathie had sent the children upstairs to get ready for bed. But for once there was no complaining about having to go to bed or asking to stay up longer. Maybe the children could sense how tiered she was, that after she would finish cleaning the dishes there would be nothing, she would rather want then to go to bed herself.

The picture of her sleeping children warmed Kathie’s heart. She was so full of love for them. And cradling her swollen belly, she knew, that the new addition to the family would fit right in with the rest of them.

Quietly making her way into the room, she gently took the book out of her daughters’ hands and placed it on the bedside table. She would have wanted to place a kiss on each of her children’s heads, but her round belly made it impossible for her to bend over. So instead, she just whispered a good night and wished them sweet dreams before quietly closing the door behind her and finally going to bed herself. Falling asleep to the calming sound of the rain outside.

[slipping-through-my-fingertips]

When I Grow Up

Week 2, prompt: mashups

Summary: a little slice of the Sam and Kurt friendship we deserved and some Blam.

Notes: I realize the Switch wasn’t out when glee takes place it’s fiction folks so...

Ao3

When Blaine decides to visit his boyfriend in New York, he usually makes the trip alone. He doesn’t mind the solo flight because once he’s in the city, he feels at home. Especially when Blaine gets to curl up in bed with Kurt at night, he can’t wait to make this their forever. Blaine’s daydreaming about his future life in New York with Kurt while he packs for his long-weekend trip. McKinley is closed for a teacher’s in-service day on Monday granting Blaine an extra day to be with his boyfriend. 

As usual, the house is empty. His parents are working late again. So when the doorbell goes off, Blaine is confused. He hadn’t invited anybody over and didn’t order food or anything. He tosses the cardigan in his hands on the bed and goes to answer. As soon as the door is open, Sam makes his way inside duffle bag at his feet. 

“So, I was thinking on the plane we can play some Switch games!” He exclaims. 

“I’m sorry, on the plane?” 

“Yeah, dude, you know, New York is a flight away,” Sam says, “like we could take a train but that’s like a whole day trip so not worth it. But if you’re worried about your Switch, don’t be, I’d protect that thing with my life.” 

That’s how Blaine finds out Sam has decided to join him on the trip to New York. 

“You have a ticket?” Blaine asks. 

“Yup, middle seat but I don’t mind.” 

“And you cleared it with Kurt, Rachel, and Santana to stay at the loft?” 

“Um yeah, I wouldn’t just show up uninvited,” he scoffs like Blaine is crazy for thinking he wouldn’t be prepared. “Texted Kurt two weeks ago about it.” 

Blaine didn’t even know if he was going two weeks ago. He blinks unsure how to feel about all of this. 

“Well, okay,” he finally says, “I have to finish packing.” 

“Dude, our flight leaves in like 5 hours and you’re not packed!” 

Blaine goes upstairs leaving Sam in the living room, which doesn’t hinder his best friend from still talking. Sam shouts from the couch, “Hurry up!”

---

The plane ride is pretty uneventful. They do, in fact, play some Switch games for a majority of the flight. Sam moves through the airport with ease, grabbing their luggage, hailing a cab, and navigating them to the right apartment building. 

Sam walks right into the loft, Santana greets them from the kitchen and informs them that Rachel is still at rehearsal. Kurt jumps up from the couch, spilling his homework onto the floor. 

“You made it!” 

Blaine drops his bag, expecting a huge hug but Sam beats him to it. He lifts Kurt up and spins them around. 

For the second time today, Blaine is too shunned to do anything but blink. 

Once Kurt is firmly back on the ground, he comes over to kiss Blaine. 

“Missed you,” he says, against his lips. 

Blaine is helpless to do anything but kiss him again. 

“So, what’s for dinner?” Sam asks, loudly. 

---

Dinner isn’t until 7, Rachel comes in the door talking a mile a minute about how much her feet hurt from rehearsal, how terrible her co-star is, and the busyness of the subway this evening. 

Mid-rant, she pauses as if just noticing their two guests, “Oh hi Sam, hi Blaine,” then goes right back into it. 

Only putting food on the table stops her. Pro-tip, the best way to quiet Rachel Berry is with food. Santana uses the moment of peace to tell them about the club they’re definitely hitting up tonight. 

“I went out of my way to get the two of you,” she points to Blaine and Sam, “fakes, don’t lose them.” 

“They’re pricey,” Kurt whispers to Blaine. “Seriously, don’t lose it.” 

Blaine nods. He hopes this fake ID is better quality than the one Sebastian got him when they made that terrible trip to Scandals last year. He shakes his head, Blaine definitely doesn’t need to relive that night. How embarrassing was it to spend the night dancing with some guy he didn’t even like while his boyfriend sat at the bar talking to an ex-bully? But Blaine learned from that experience, he was doing much better now. Plus, he ended the night dancing with Kurt and...fighting with him, unfortunately. Doesn’t matter anymore, they got past it and are a stronger couple for it. All couples fight. 

He reaches for Kurt’s hand under the table and squeezes. 

---

The club isn’t too bad, they surprisingly find a booth close enough to the bar and a good distance away from the dance floor. They want to be able to watch people dance but also retain some of their hearing. Though, they still have to shout over the bass. 

“Karaoke starts at 10,” Santana says. 

Rachel literally squeals at this piece of information. 

“I’m going to need a drink then,” Kurt says. 

“I’ll get the first round,” Blaine offers, “what does everything want?” 

After gathering drink orders, Blaine slides out of the booth. 

“I’m coming with!” Santana jumps up to walk with him, “I’m going to need to be drunk if we’re going to attend the Rachel Berry show.” 

While they’re gone, Blaine can’t help but watch his boyfriend interact with their friends. Santana is leaning over the bar flirting with a girl across the way but still finds time to gag at Blaine’s heart eyes. 

“You’re sickening honestly,” she tells him, “it’s nice.” 

Blaine beams, “You think so, Miss Cold-Hearted, Won’t Settle Down.” 

“Tell anyone and you’re dead, I know some good spots to hide a body.” 

Thankfully, the bartender delivers their order. Blaine passes them around the table, “Long Island for Rachel, beer for Sam, mojito for my boyfriend and myself.” 

Rachel takes one sip before they announce sign-ups for karaoke. “I’m putting all our names up!” she says, bouncing off into the quickly forming line. 

“Remember what we talked about!” Kurt shouts after her and she shoots him a thumbs up. 

Needless to say, Blaine isn’t a bit surprised when they start calling out names that Rachel signed up to sing something from Broadway. However, she was smart about it choosing to sing a song from Mamma Mia! Most people in the audience would just assume she was an avid ABBA fan. 

“Come on, let’s dance while she sings,” Kurt suggests, pulling Blaine out of the booth. 

The dance floor is pretty crowded but they make room for the four of them to form a little circle. Blaine has his arms around his boyfriend, holding him tight against his body as they scream the words to Mamma Mia. 

It’s the best night ever. 

He is surprised when Rachel is taking her bow and the announcer reads off the next name. Or should he say names. 

“Next up, Kurt and Sam.” 

At first, he assumes there’s another Kurt and Sam planning a duet until his Kurt says, “Ooo, that’s us!” 

His boyfriend and best friend confidently take the stage and introduce themselves. Then, the music starts. There’s nothing that could’ve prepared Blaine for their song choice. 

“Now I've got a confession When I was young I wanted attention And I promised myself that I'd do anything Anything at all for them to notice me” 

Their voices blend so well together. It’s honestly a crime that Blaine hadn’t heard them sing together until tonight. The song is so fun. Sam and Kurt are playing right off of one another, dancing around the stage with their microphones in hand. 

“When I grow up, I wanna be famous. I wanna be a star, I wanna be in movies,” Kurt sings.

Quickly, Sam picks up, “When I grow up, I wanna see the world. Drive nice cars, I wanna have groupies.” 

Blaine can’t do much but stand in the middle of the dance floor watching them. Santana and Rachel try to pull him into their dancing but it’s no use.

When his boyfriend and best friend take their bows and find them in the crowd, Blaine’s still just staring in shock.

“You sounds so good!” Rachel exclaims, “it’s a shame you didn’t get more chances to duet in glee.”

“I know right,” Sam says, slinging his arm around Kurt’s shoulder. “We’re good together.”

Kurt shakes Sam’s arm off of him. “Yeah, yeah, whatever Evans, I’m taken.”

He taps Blaine on the shoulder bringing him out of his trance.

“Hey you,” Kurt says, bumping shoulders with his boyfriend, “what did you think? Sam and I make a good team right?”

“Amazing,” Blaine replied, “really, really good.”

Kurt smiles. “You seem kinda out of it.”

“What?” Blaine asks, “No, I’m…”

But nothing else comes, he has no idea how to finish his sentence. So instead, he leans in and kisses his boyfriend.

Somewhere outside their own little world, Sam says, “Dude! Where’s my kiss?”

[pretchatta]

a little bit more of the university au I started here, inspired by @bythevay‘s amazing sweater vest kanan and date night hera. I still haven’t made it to the actual date yet... but it does exist in draft form! I’ll be putting the whole lot on AO3 as soon as I have a title (suggestions are welcome!) but until then it’ll be small sections on tumblr as and when I feel they’re finished.

edit: it’s on AO3!

rating: general; kanan jarrus/hera syndulla; 1.3k words

---

The soft, burbling sounds of the café reached his ears as Kanan pushed open the heavy wooden doors to the library. The foyer was grand, if a little tired, with wood-panelled walls and a polished marble floor that contrasted sharply with the modern security barriers cutting through the middle. Sweeping up one side was the long reception desk that served both sides, though only those with a university ID card could pass through the turnstiles to the café and, more importantly, the university’s precious trove of knowledge beyond. 

Kanan made his way to the desk, not needing to enter the library proper today, absently greeting the old librarian who sat on the other side.

“Morning, Okadiah.”

The human raised a white-haired eyebrow as Kanan reached over the desk to a currently unused library staff computer. “It’s past one.”

“Oh. Good afternoon, then.” He twisted the monitor around to face him and tapped a request on the keyboard in a practised way.

“Someone’s a little distracted,” Okadiah commented. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were thinking about a woman, but since you’re never off campus and the gender ratio of your department is abysmal, that’s about as likely as you reading my sign.”

The sign in question read ‘DO NOT LEAN ON THE DESK’, and Kanan had been ignoring it since graduation. That had been when he’d started working at the library to support himself through his PhD and learnt that Okadiah was far less formidable than he’d first appeared. Since accepting a permanent position in the School of Chemistry faculty he’d not stopped acting like a member of library staff, and he was pretty sure Okadiah only allowed it because Kanan was still one of the few people who could actually work the library’s archaic cataloguing software. 

“Well, maybe next time I’m here for a book I’ll ask you to call it for me, because this woman… I don’t even know how to describe her.”

“Oh boy.”

“She was incredible. She’d dropped a lab coat, and she had these eyes… I’m telling you, I’ve never seen eyes like hers before.”

"Eyes, huh -- is this her, coming in now? Lab coat, check. Eyes, check..."

Okadiah had no idea what Hera looked like, but Kanan's head whipped around to see if it was her nonetheless. He tried not to look too obviously disappointed at the diminutive sullustan woman in white who’d just come through the doors. Her huge eyes roamed around the room before landing on the desk, which she then made a beeline towards.

"Excuse me," she said, peering up at the librarian. The lanyard around her neck proclaimed her to be a guest speaker from one of the university’s affiliate companies by the name of Zaluna Myder. "I'm meeting someone inside, a member of university staff."

"You'll have to wait here until they arrive," Okadiah replied kindly. “When they do I can sign you in.”

The woman nodded. “Very well. I’ll just take a seat here then.” She slid down to sit on the floor at the base of the desk. 

Kanan frowned in confusion, but was distracted by a besalisk with an armful of books arriving at the other side of the desk. 

“You requested this one, Oke?” the woman grunted, passing the topmost one over to him.

“Thanks, Lal, it’s for Professor Jarrus here.” Okadiah took the slim textbook and the library assistant departed again. He glanced at the cover before sliding it over to Kanan. “Hey, this has got to be the fourth Physics book you’ve ordered this term. Is it for that kid again? I don’t know why you don’t just give him Young and Freedman and be done with it.”

Kanan rolled his eyes. “He’s fifteen. I’m trying to encourage his passion for the sciences, not break his spine.” 

“If you’re hoping he makes it to higher education,” came a new voice from behind, “a little strength training maybe wouldn’t go amiss.”

Kanan almost couldn't believe his ears, but there was no mistaking that voice. He turned, and sure enough, there she was. She was wearing different overalls today, but those eyes were the same as he remembered, if not even more beautiful.

Play it cool, Kanan. 

"Hey, Hera," he said casually.

“Kanan, right?” She was smiling at him again, and it made his heart flutter in his chest. “I thought you said you teach Chemistry? Do you often teach extra subjects?”

“Yes -- I mean, no --” He was flustered, and forced himself to start again. “I’m tutoring this kid, and sometimes he gets curious about non-Chemistry topics. Sometimes I worry I’m losing him to Physics, but then I give him a sheet of algebra and he’s back to asking about rates of reactions.”

He felt like he was rambling and stopped himself from saying anything further, but she was nodding.

“I’d be interested to hear more about your teaching.”

“I -- well, you’re always welcome to come by during my office hours.”

He heard what sounded like a disappointed sigh from Okadiah.

“Dr Syndulla?” came a voice from below; the sullustan woman had stood back up. 

“Zaluna!” Hera said brightly, apparently recognising her. “I’ve booked one of the private study rooms for our meeting - unfortunately we can’t use my office today, I share it and my colleague has a tutorial in there right now.”

“If you show me your staff ID, your guest can sign in here and I can grant a temporary day pass to the library,” Okadiah said, bringing out the visitor log book. Zaluna took the pen and started writing as Hera rummaged for her ID card.

Kanan started to feel a little awkward and wondered if he should leave - he had his book now, after all - but he didn’t want to. He wanted to talk to Hera some more, but he didn’t know how to start with Okadiah and Zaluna there.

“There’s a new restaurant that’s just opened up on Gorse Street, y’know,” Okadiah said, interrupting Kanan’s train of thought.

“Huh?” Kanan was momentarily confused, but caught the twinkle in the old librarian’s eyes.

“There,” Zaluna said, finishing signing her name.

“Great, let’s get going. It was nice to see you again, Kanan,” Hera directed the last part to him as she started walking towards the turnstiles with Zaluna.

“Wait!” he called, and she paused to look back. “Do -- would you like to get dinner? With me? There’s a new restaurant…” he finished lamely, gesturing at Okadiah, who covered his face with his hand.

But Hera didn’t seem put off. She smiled at him again, and he didn’t think he’d ever get tired of seeing that smile. “That sounds nice. I’m free tomorrow evening -- meet me under the Illum Bridge at seven?”

Kanan couldn’t help the smile that split his face. “See you tomorrow at seven!”

He watched her walk away, feeling like he was floating. He was taking Hera on a date! Him! And her! For a whole evening, at--

“Wait, what restaurant did I just invite her to?”

Okadiah’s eyes sparkled with mirth over the tops of his glasses. “Luna Cynda has received nothing but rave reviews since it first opened last week, and is fully booked for the next month.”

“What?” Kanan’s heart rate spiked with anxiety. “Fully booked? Where am I supposed to take Hera tomorrow?”

The old man merely smiled at him. “I’ve been meaning to give it a go myself, but since I can’t stand the thought of you taking such a lovely woman on what would otherwise undoubtedly be a terrible date, I suppose you can have my table reservation.”

“Really?”

“Tomorrow at seven-thirty. I’m living vicariously. Treat her well, please.”

---

Continue Reading

[apiratewhopines]

Thanks to @teamhook for the the eye candy :)

In the Offing

Chapter 16 — Heart of Darkness

Summary: In which our heroine buries multiple hatchets

Notes: This one gets a little gruesome!

Chapter 16 on AO3

“Some mistakes get made

That’s alright, that’s okay

In the end it’s better for me

That’s the moral of the story babe”

-Moral of the Story, Ashe

In the dead of night, her phone started ringing. Looking at the clock, she tried to shake off the fog that threatened to pull her back under. Reaching blindly for her cell and seeing the ID, she groggily answered, “What do you want, Killian?”

“Bloody hell, Swan! If I had known you would get in trouble the second I walked out, I never would have left,” he swore, words breaking with stress. She imagined his hair looked wild at this point if his voice was any indication. “Are you alright?”

“Finally got around to reading the paper, I see,” she replied without emotion as she shifted to sit up in bed. Unable to keep an accusation from seeping into her tone, she continued, “Yes, I’ve had a day to get used to the idea that I’m the most hated person in town but it’s nice of you to join the party. Better late than never I suppose.”

“Liam and I went out on the sailboat, we didn’t get back until a couple of minutes ago. Surely you don’t think I would have left you to fend for yourself if I had known,” he rebuked. When she didn’t say anything, he said grimly, “Or maybe that’s exactly what you thought. Love, you’ll not get rid of me that easily. Can I come over? As a friend.”

She hated that he felt like he had to clarify his intentions. Hated even more that she craved his presence. “No, I’m okay. I need to sleep. I...I’m glad you called though,” she confessed, too tired to maintain the facade that she didn’t care.

“Emma, please—”

“I’ll talk to you later,” she cut him off and hung up before she could change her mind. As much as it hurt, the lines between them were blurred enough without him holding her while she slept which is exactly what would happen if he showed up in the middle of the night. She was beginning to realize that a platonic friendship with him would be impossible. For them it would be all or nothing.

She drifted back to sleep and dreamed of the cottage. The sunshine softly illuminating the porch in the early morning, tiny feet running barefoot across the wood floors, laughter filling every corner of the home. She awoke hours later with a deep sense of peace that was foreign to her.

—

The seagulls squawked longingly as they flew back and forth across the marina docks in search of food left behind by visitors. Emma sat on the bench looking out at the ocean, the heat of the day warming the metal in a pleasant way. While she didn’t want to admit it, she knew she had come to this place in search of Killian.

Instead someone found her.

“I was hoping I would run into you soon,” Liam greeted her as he settled on the bench. As was his norm, he didn’t crowd or even look in her direction. His gaze was fixed out on the distant waves. The stony countenance that always graced his face, the one that used to irritate her so, had somehow changed into a soothing kind of companionship that she had missed.

“Well, you did and here we are. Two grumpy Bostonians stuck in a picturesque nightmare,” she commented, only half joking. She realized that even before their fight, she hadn’t really spent time with him in weeks. Sneaking a look out of the corner of her eye, she saw that the gash on his head was healing nicely, only a thin red line marking the place where the injury occurred. His arm was still in a sling and probably would be for a couple more weeks but he wasn’t as stiff as he had been. Still stiff of course, this was Liam Jones after all, but pompously so instead of painfully.

“Too right,” he agreed. “Although I think you might have gotten the worst of it.”

“Trip’s not over yet. Don’t jinx yourself,” Emma pointed out with a grimace. “Thank you for the transfer. I wasn’t sure you’d come through.”

“Have I ever not lived up to my end of the bargain, Emma? You did what you said you would, you found half the missing persons on our list, doing it admirably and with your normal tenaciousness. If I ever made you think I doubted your abilities or didn’t count you as important, I regret it. I didn’t bring you along as a...what did you call it? A pretty blonde distraction.”

“I haven’t given up, you know. I still want to help you. It’s only that my priorities have to shift for a while,” she told him. Saying that she needed to save her own skin first would have been too melodramatic but she trusted he understood what she meant. He usually did.

“What they printed in the paper was out of line,” he said heatedly. “It was a smear job and it means nothing. You aren’t alone, Emma. You have friends and we will sort this out. It is a fine tangle though.”

“I’m sure it was a shock to read about my past in the Storybrooke Daily Mirror. At least it was for me. There is a reason I like keeping to myself.”

“I knew about your past the second time I talked with Henry, lass,” he laughed. “I think he was feeling me out as a potential suitor. The hope of youth is vast and diabolical.”

Chuckling because that sounded exactly like something Henry would do, she reached out and lightly slapped his shoulder. “Don’t get any ideas. I’m too good for the likes of you, even with a criminal history and fresh charges pending.”

“Aye, you’ll get no argument from me,” he agreed. Clearing his throat uncomfortably, he muttered, “Speaking of women who are too good for me, Elsa and I are getting married this Saturday.”

Eyes wide, she gaped at him in surprise. The tips of his ears were a faint pink and his lips had softened into a satisfied grin. “I don’t know what to say. Congratulations! That’s really fast.”

“Or really slow depending on how you look at it,” he responded. “I’ve loved her for years and I don’t want to wait another minute. Her sister will be in town on a short break for the holiday so we decided it was the perfect time. We want you to be there. After all if it weren’t for you, I’d still have my head stuck up my ass.”

Snorting, she nodded. “That’s probably true. Honestly, I thought you were an incurable case so I guess you deserve some credit too. But Liam, I’m not sure it’s a good idea. I have this shooting hanging over my head and people will talk. I don’t want to detract from your day.”

“Hang them. Have I ever cared what people thought? The whole town will be there whether they are invited or not so what better way to show our solidarity.”

Forcing herself to be truthful, she added, “Things between me and Killian are...unsettled. He might be uncomfortable if I show up.”

Looking at her for the first time, his eyes crinkled in a way that was reminiscent of his brother. “No kidding. His moping around the house and general state of sullenness were my first clues. Trust me, he won’t mind.”

“How do you know?”

“Because he’s smitten with you. Has been since the moment we stepped foot in town,” he said in a voice that made it clear he thought it was obvious. Smiling out at the horizon, he explained, “Killian has taken to you in a way I’ve never seen before. In the interest of fulfilling my role of wing man, I have to confess that he was on me to tell you about the map and treasure from the minute we made it back to the cottage after the accident, long before you had formed an attachment. I’m sure he’ll give you plenty of reasons to be angry with him in the future but place the blame for this one where it belongs. Squarely on me.”

“I think I may have already burned that bridge,” Emma declared, her smile a sad answer to his.

“Good that my little brother is an excellent swimmer then,” Liam countered, standing up and facing her. “Come to the wedding. Then we’ll get back to work.”

—

Emma walked into the loft several hours later discouraged and annoyed. Having spent a good part of the afternoon at the docks, she decided to stop off at the hospital on the way home to check on August. It was there that the full import of her situation hit her. The ICU staff followed her every move, never leaving her alone with her friend as if they were afraid she would rip out his heart with her bare hands as soon as their backs were turned.

So much for innocent until proven guilty.

Mary Margaret’s sunny smile welcomed her as she stepped across the threshold. “Emma, you just missed Killian. He’d been waiting for you for hours.”

“Hmm” was her only reply. As much as she might want to see him, after her chat with Liam she wasn’t sure she was ready to. There were things she needed to settle in her own mind before she interacted with him again. It wasn’t fair to keep jerking him around. She was going to have to pick a path and stick to it. The problem was her mind was set on one direction and her heart was urging her in another.

“Uh oh, I know that look,” Mary Margaret commented. “You’re reverting.”

Amused in spite of the dark turn of her thoughts, Emma asked, “Reverting? What do you mean?”

“You’re pulling on that armor of yours and you’re readying for battle. Am I right?”

“I’m tired. That’s all. The hospital staff clearly believes everything they read,” she explained while moving into the kitchen to get something to drink. “It’s one thing to think someone capable of murder but it’s another to think they would be stupid enough to do it in broad daylight in a well monitored hospital room.”

“Most people are too wrapped up in their own lives to question the things that people present to them as facts,” she observed sagely. “Regardless, I know what you need to get out of this funk.”

“Do you? And what would that be?”

“We’re going out for a girl’s night. I’ll call Elsa and Ruby. We’ll get dressed up and we’ll show the town that they are wrong about you.”

“I’m not sure there is enough makeup in the world to change their opinions now,” Emma joked, not completely averse to proposal. “I’m also not sure I’m ready to see another story in the paper about how I callously partied my way through Storybrooke while August is on his deathbed.”

“It’s Storybrooke, Emma. How much trouble do you think we could get into? I’m not suggesting an orgy. It’s dinner with people who care about you. Maybe a few drinks.”

Nearly spitting out her orange juice when the word orgy slipped from Mary Margaret’s mouth, Emma shook her head in disbelief and teased, “What in the world has David been doing these last couple of days? You know when I met you, I would have sworn that you didn’t know any four-letter words.”

“Well now I know all of them,” she joked back, her cheeks flushing and eyes dancing with the deep emotion that only comes from being in love and being loved thoroughly and repeatedly. “Get changed. I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Hours later, Emma had to admit she was glad she didn’t put up too much of a fight. Elsa and Ruby rounded out their merry little band quite nicely, the cool elegance of the former a stark contrast to the vivid earthiness of the latter. Overall they were a nice blend of independent, intelligent women who, for whatever reason, seemed to have her back.

She also appreciated that they were giving the topic of her brief arrest a wide berth. There was no better way to kill a buzz than to give into harsh realities. They kept the conversation light, discussing Elsa’s imminent wedding and Mary Margaret’s newfound saltiness. Ruby sighed and said, “Everyone is pairing up. It’s about to be nothing but babies and boringness. Then Emma will leave and nothing exciting will ever happen again.”

“That’s me, the bringer of excitement,” Emma commented dryly as her phone vibrated. Seeing that Henry was calling, she excused herself and went to stand outside so she could hear him. She watched a steady stream of people make their way into the bar as Henry begged to fly into town for Liam’s wedding. Figuring her son’s well-informed status must have come from the man himself, she laughed at his logical arguments for the last minute trip. Starting with the ability to celebrate the holiday with her and ending with meeting her new friends, he laid out his reasons as if he were forty instead of ten.

She hadn’t realized the individuals she had met since her arrival had trickled into their conversations so much but the casual way he referred to half a dozen people he had never met drove the point home. Tempted as she was to give in to his earnest and well-thought out pleas, she did not think it was a good time for a visit. She needed to clear her name first. Explaining that there would be time to meet everyone later and promising to send pictures of the ceremony, which effectively made the decision for her about attending, she ended the call and leaned back against the outer wall.

She heard gravel crunching under footsteps before she heard his voice. “Fancy meeting you here,” Graham said as he approached her.

“This is where all the cool kids hang out apparently,” she remarked, turning toward him. “How are you doing, Sheriff?”

“I’ve been better,” he admitted, stopping a couple of feet away and taking up a similar position against the wall. They stood there in silence for several minutes, neither one sure what to say now that they were alone and not interrogating each other. “The forensics came back. The gun was wiped clean. No prints.”

“Dead end then,” she observed, not particularly surprised. If it had been that easy, the guy would have already been caught.

“Not quite. You’d be surprised at the number of criminals who wipe the weapon and completely forget about the bullets. We pulled a partial off one. No hits yet but it definitely doesn’t match Liam’s or yours. They are also analyzing an unusual substance they found on the rags. We may still get lucky.”

“So, what does that mean?”

“It means you are no longer my prime suspect, Emma,” Graham explained with a small smile. “You can go back to hating me with a clear conscience.”

“I never hated you,” Emma argued, sheepishly looking at him from under her lashes. “I just didn’t trust you.”

Laughing softly, his lilting voice carried to her with a hint of delight. “I do love how direct you are.” Gazing into her eyes searchingly, he asked with a quirked brow, “Why is that? What did I do within minutes of meeting you to put you off me so completely?”

“You lied,” she said simply. Returning his searching glance, she took in his handsome face and lean body. In another time or place, if things had been different, she wondered if there would have been something between them. The odd tension stretched around them, forming a little bubble where the outside world didn’t exist. Deciding she had nothing to lose, she asked, “What were you really doing in the woods the night of our accident?”

“Clever girl,” he complimented her with a wink that showed he was teasing rather than patronizing her. With a shrewd look, he asked her, “Do you trust me now?”

“I think you’ve earned a little faith from me,” she replied, curious about the sudden shift in his demeanor. “Why?”

“It might be better if I show you,” he said mysteriously. A second later, her hand was clasped in his and he was pulling her toward his cruiser. “Let’s go.”

Sending a text to her friends to let them know something had come up and she wouldn’t be rejoining them, she buckled herself into the passenger seat and questioned humorously, “Are you taking me to the wolf’s den?”

“There really have been complaints about wolves,” he defended. “Although they are more likely to be coyotes in this area. But you’re right. I wasn’t being honest because I wasn’t sure what I had found. This town has a violent history and this particular investigation I’ve been keeping under wraps. I haven’t even told Nolan about it.”

“So why me? Why now?”

“I don’t know, Emma,” Graham responded truthfully. “There’s something about you. I’ve always been on your side, you just didn’t want to see it. I have a feeling you’re going to be the one to solve everything.”

“Everything is a tall order,” she groused. “I’d settle for finding who shot August.”

They fell into silence as the buildings gave way to trees. In no time, they were approaching the to town line. They emerged from the cruiser at nearly the exact point Liam’s SUV had left the road. With a dubious look at her sandals, he said, “You going to be okay for a walk?”

Mimicking his doubtful glance, she countered, “Are you offering to carry me the whole time?” Before he could say anything, she stepped off the pavement and ordered, “Lead the way.”

Even with the high-powered police flashlights, it was slow going in the inky darkness of the night with the overgrown forest floor threatening to trip them with every footfall. They had probably been hiking arm-in-arm for about thirty minutes, Emma having given up the pretense of making it on her own shortly after they started. “Are you taking me to our crash site?”

“I’m taking you to a crash site,” he corrected. Huffing a bit and wishing she had gone with jeans rather than a dress, she nodded. Then, there was a break in the trees and she could barely make out the charred remains of a sedan.

Pulling away, she carefully circled the burned out car. The light bounced eerily off the blackened metal and with only a slight hesitation, she flooded the front seat with the beam. Letting go of a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, she was relieved that it was empty. She really hadn’t been looking forward to finding any more skeletons in Storybrooke. “Who do you think it belonged to?”

“I don’t have to think, I know,” he assured her. “The car was registered to the city. It was reported stolen about twenty-eight years ago.”

“Someone stole city property, took it for a joyride, crashed it, and burned the car to hide the evidence?”

“Perhaps.”

“There’s something you haven’t told me, isn’t there?”

“You do have a knack for ferreting out the truth, Emma,” he respectfully observed. “It would be nice to have you around to help out the department from time to time.”

“Don’t get attached,” she warned seriously. “I’m merely passing through. What else have you found?”

“Follow me,” he directed, taking her arm lightly in his grasp to steady her as they moved deeper into the woods. Less than a quarter mile away from the car, they came upon an abandoned cabin. Flashing her light through the grimy windows, she detected no sign of movement.

Graham entered the one room cabin first and flicked on the light switch. A couple of the bulbs were still working and a dingy, yellow glow filled the room. It was then that she saw the blood stains on the small bed pushed against one wall. Her flashlight continued to trail around the room, illuminating several more bloody rags strewn on the floor. “What the hell happened here?”

“I can’t be sure,” he answered, steadying her again as her knees buckled a little at the overwhelming sight. “If it’s too much, we can go outside. You’ve seen everything there is to see now.”

“No, no, it’s fine,” she told him, taking slow breaths in through her nose. “What do you think happened?”

“I think someone had a baby.” He watched her reaction as if concerned she might pass out. Honestly, his fears weren’t totally unfounded. “I’ll spare you from reviewing the evidence that led me to that conclusion since you’re white as a sheet and look like you could double over at any moment.”

“Why haven’t you processed the scene?”

“I’m waiting for the state lab to come. Emma, something happened in Storybrooke decades ago, something that is having a ripple effect to this day. I don’t trust that we’ll find answers locally. I’ve been doing what I can to comb through records regarding pregnancies around that time but it’s slow going with the privacy laws and the fact that I doubt there was a birth announcement for this particular baby.”

“I think I can help you there.” Exhaling shakily, she hurried outside. She heard him come up behind her and didn’t resist when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders as if to funnel some of his strength to her. “I’m positive that Eva Blanchard had her baby in that cabin, Graham. I’m also sure that if we continue searching, we’ll find her and Leo’s body somewhere around here. Maybe the baby’s as well.”

Feeling sick, she didn’t protest as he pulled her closer and began the trek out of this grisly corner of the forest. He didn’t question how she knew the things she knew and didn’t pressure her to talk, merely nodding at her in thanks when he dropped her off outside the loft.

That night, her dreams were anything but peaceful.

[myidlehand]

Writing Prompt: Geralt/Jaskier/Eskel - fluff / hurt/comfort please - Jaskier gets hurt somehow, Geralt & Eskel take care of him - you can decide on details :)

Hello!

And here it is this blog has hit 1000 followers! So here is another prompt! This one is prompt 3/7 for my followers celebration.

I originally went with Jaskier burns his hands but it was turning way too dark and bleak so I wrote something fluffy instead. I hope you’ll enjoy this silly piece anyway.

Thank you @simeramise for helping and finding me a pun for the title (apparently every prompt in this series gets one, oops)

Cold you feel the love tonight?

“Ar-r-r-re  w-e-e-e-e  close… clos-s-s-s-se  ye-e-e-et?” Jaskier stutters, burying a little bit more against Eskel’s front. Eskel tries to readjust his cape around Jaskier as best he can with only one hand free, the other holding on to the reins.

“The cave is a bit further ahead.”

“I’m so-o-o-o  co-o-old”. Jaskier’s teeth clatter too loud for Eskel’s sensitive ears.

“I know”, he says, kissing the top of Jaskier’s head. “You need to hold on just a little bit more, sweets.” 

Jaskier doesn’t answer but shivers violently. Eskel tries his best to lead Scorpion as safely and quickly as he can to get Jaskier somewhere comfortable, but the sun has almost completely set by now and the path is narrow. Geralt rode ahead of them, to clear the cave they passed by that afternoon. Jaskier’s head falls slightly forward and to the side and Eskel holds onto him a little tighter.

“Stay awake, Jask.”

“‘M tired.”

“I know, but you can’t sleep right now, we need to get you warm first.”

“Sounds nice”, Jaskier replies sleepily.

“Come on, I can smell a fire, we aren’t far.” Eskel pushes Scorpion to just go a little faster. It’s not safe but Jaskier won’t last a lot longer like this.

Finally, Eskel sees the light of the fire and exhales loudly, relieved to finally find safety for his bard. The cave isn’t a cave per se. It’s more of a deep nook in a cliff, but it’s dry and protected from the wind and the cold rain. It’s not ideal, but it’ll be much better than sleeping on the humid ground. Eskel dismounts first then helps Jaskier get off the horse. A small fire is already going, and clothes have been laid around it, just close enough to make them warm. Geralt and Jaskier’s bedrolls have already been pushed side by side on the ground as well. As soon as Jaskier is off Scorpion’s back, Geralt emerges from the forest with an armful of wood, hopefully dry enough to last them the night.

“The wood’s clear,” he says immediately, dumps the woods and goes to them. Eskel pushes Jaskier towards him a little, enough for Geralt to grab him close and start rubbing his arms up and down.

“How are you feeling?” he asks gently.

“So-o-o-o co-o-o-old“, Jaskier answers, trying very hard to keep his teeth from clattering and shivering.

“I know, let’s get you out of these wet clothes.”

“Oh Geralt if I kn-e-e-e-e-ew you wanted me naked I’d… would have fall… fallen into a frig-i-i-id river so-o-n-n-n-er”, Jaskier answers with a chuckle and a wink, shivering uncontrollably. Eskel snorts and leads Scorpion away, to secure him for the night and get the rest of their stuff to the little fire camp.

“You’re such an idiot sometimes”, Geralt answers with a fond eye-roll.

“But you love me anyway”, Jaskier grins at him, and Geralt takes his hand to lead him to the fire.

They go in stages. As soon as his soaked doublet and shirt come off, Geralt dries him off with warm rags he’s put near the fire and wrestles him quickly into a warm shirt and gambeson. By the time his boots, pants and underthings are off, Eskel is back by their side, putting his own bedroll next to theirs. When he’s settled, Eskel comes to help dry Jaskier’s hair as best they can then leads him to the bedrolls. Jaskier goes down, immediately going under the blanket and grabbing at the nearest Witcher he can find. Eskel joins him easily enough and Geralt is not far behind, joining them as soon as he’s done laying out all of Jaskier’s wet stuff. Eskel rearranges the blanket on top of all three of them, while Jaskier presses his back to Geralt’s front. Geralt throws an arm around his middle and kisses Jaskier behind the ear, where he knows it will earn him a little appreciative noise he loves. Even in warm clothes and between his two big Witchers, Jaskier is still quite cold and keeps on shivering.

“Try to relax”, Geralt says. “You’ll shiver less if you do and your teeth will stop clattering.”

“That doesn’t sound right", Jaskier responds dubiously.

“Try anyway“, Geralt whispers in his ear, breath hot on his skin and a very different kind of shiver seizes Jaskier’s entire body. 

But Geralt is right, of course. After a while, the shivers stop coming, and Jaskier starts to feel better and a little tired again. It’s nice being surrounded by his lovers heat and smell, wearing their clothes. Jaskier his pretty sure the pants are Geralt’s. They are quite narrow at the waist so definitely not Eskel’s. The smallclothes and one of the two pair of socks he’s wearing feel like they are his, but the shirt is a little rougher than what he’s used to. It’s quite big in the shoulders, and it’s either dark red or black, Jaskier can’t quite tell in the low light. It’s probably Eskel’s shirt, but it smells like Geralt. Geralt must have grabbed whatever he could find in Roach saddlebags. It’s quite late in the year, and the three of them have been travelling together since mid-summer, so most of their stuff is mixed together by now. The gambeson is definitively Geralt's, it’s the warmest he has, and he was wearing it that morning. Jaskier has a pang of love when he realises Geralt must have changed into something thinner just so Jaskier could wear the warmest top they own.

“How are you feeling?” Eskel asks quietly when Jaskier’s scent turns a lot less miserable and a lot more content.

“I’m much better. But my hands and feet hurt a little still.”

Eskel grabs one of Jaskier’s knees under the blanket, inviting him to slide his legs up so his feet can come rest between Eskel’s parted legs. Next, he takes Jaskier’s hands in his and starts massaging every finger and blowing hot air on them. Geralt presses a kiss on his neck and Jaskier sighs contentedly.

“Thank you-”, he says after a little while when his fingers are warm and tingly. Eskel doesn’t release them, but instead, he presses them lightly against his chest, his thumb gently stroking small circles. “-for taking care of me tonight. And for…” Jaskier hesitates a second. He takes one of his hands away to link his fingers with Geralt’s on his waist and the other comes to stroke Eskel’s cheek. One of Eskel’s hand finds both of theirs as well. “And for making me feel happy and loved even when you have to fish me out of a stupidly cold river. I love you, both so much” he adds quietly.

Eskel kisses the inside of the hands Jaskier has on his cheek and shuffles closer, putting Jaskier’s hand on his chest again.

“Love you too, sweets”, he answers, content.

Geralt doesn’t reply, but Jaskier doesn’t need him to, the small smile he can feel at the back of his neck is loud enough.

***

I know it’s not the best and it’s a bit silly and it’s been done a million times, but I hope you’ll still enjoy it a little. I'm putting these in AO3 too cause Tumblr won't format right.

Now the thing is, I messed up. Cause I thought I would have loads of time to fill the seven prompts I received before hitting this milestone. Which I didn’t so this is only prompt 3/7 when I should have posted the last one when I got to 1000.

I will definitively answer all 7 but the I’ve been having a rough time lately and while the first 3 prompts came quite easily I haven’t had the mental energy to sit down and properly think about the other 4. I have an outline for 2, I just need to find the words. So please be patient with me if you sent a prompt? It will get answered I just can’t say when exactly. Sorry about that.

[innittowinit]

Can you pick me up? my uni burnt down (Chapt. 2)

Relationships: Sleepy bois inc (all fics i write are platonic)

Summary: 

 In which Techno goes to England for University, his building catches fire in the night, and he isn't prepared for the difference in climate between England and California. SBI fluff ensues

Chapter summary: 

After waking up, Wilbur has the great idea that they should do a sleepy boys stream. Tommy doesn't get told about this id

Words: 1785

Language: English

AO3 Chapt. 1

Listen, waking up on a sofa, with a thin blanket shared with 3 men was never going to be the best morning. His back hurt and his legs were numb from Wilbur having sprawled out over the three of them as he slept. 

Stretching his arms back, he recounted the events of last night. God, it really was only a few hours ago, he was so tired. Had this been last year, he would have been able to stay up for days on end and then just crash for an entire weekend. It wasn’t last year though and Techno had gotten himself into a fairly healthy routine, he couldn’t exactly be sleeping through his uni classes anyway. 

“Alright you two” Hearing Philza’s voice, he propped his head up, “Get up, you can’t lay around all day”

A groan came from the mass of blankets and cushions that happened to be Wilbur, who was curled up in the centre of it,

“Phil it's so early and we went to bed so late. It’s fine to sleep in”

“Okay” he chuckled, humouring his tired friend “It’s midday Wil, im taking the blankets away now”

Techno thought it was much too early too, as he tugged the sleeves of Wilbur’s hoodie down a little further so they could act like gloves. 

“Do you mind if I use your PC to try and find out what’s going on with my classes at some point? They'll probably send me an email or something” He grumbled, standing up so he could stretch his back out properly, following Phil slowly to the kitchen.

“That’s fine, it's up in my room, do what you need”

Breakfast was nice, it had been a while since Techno had had time for it honestly, and even longer since he had been able to eat with people he cared about. He had a couple slices of buttered toast and a bowl of some british cereal which he didn’t really like but he didn’t want to be rude so he ate it anyway. 

“You wanna stream together later?” Wil asked through a mouth full of food, earning a snort from Phil. This was nice. 

“Yeah maybe, you use face cam though, I’m not like against showing them my face but y'know, it is what it is” he shrugged, spooning another mouthful of his breakfast into his mouth, he had to admit it was very bland, he much preferred the sweeter ones that were more popular in America. 

“Well think about it, if you decide you don't want them to see you, you can always just sit off to the side and I'll turn my monitor so you can still see it. My office is big enough for it anyway, it’ll be like where Niki was during that one MCC remember?”

Techno nodded and carried on eating, they really were 3 very sleepy boys right now. Maybe he’d take a nap once he found out what was going on with his classes. 

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

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

Streaming without any gameplay to comment about and with facecam on? Techno wasn’t exactly looking forward to it. That just didn’t really sound like something he was going to enjoy.

It was nerve wracking and he always seemed to glance at the camera too much when it was pointed at him. He knew the fans would be disappointed if he didn’t do it though, When Wilbur tweeted out saying that he and Phil would join him in a ‘you laugh you lose’ he watched as the replies freaked out. 

You could say he was just a bit camera shy, he wasn’t incredibly insecure, sure there were things he didn’t like that much but everyone had things like that, it just made him nervous to know that people were looking at him. 

He’d be okay with his friend’s though, he trusted that they’d never put him in an uncomfortable situation. He knew if he got overwhelmed he could sit outside the frame. 

It would be okay. 

“Hey hey chat” Wilbur mumbled into the mic, making it loud enough so that everyone could hear but it still sounded like he was whispering. 

“We’ve got the blade here, bet you weren’t expecting that huh chat? Or maybe you were, maybe you read the title of the stream, bet there’s someone watching who didn't think he’d be here though” he finally turned the music off and switched from his ‘starting soon’ screen to his regular camera. 

Wil went through the rules, it was the normal stuff, he added in some jokes here and there, prodding Techno and Phil to talk at times. They’d already agreed that this wouldn’t be for youtube, since that seemed to add a bit too much pressure for Techno, but hey, he still had to welcome his chat. 

“Okay!! First media share! Lets go”  

After a series of videos, some funnier than others, Techno had started to loosen up a bit. He was getting more comfortable with the camera and while he’d probably cringe while looking back at the footage, at least he was having fun right now.

He had a warm feeling in his chest that wasn’t usually there when he was streaming alone, sure it was usually fun but nothing was better than being with his friends while doing it, there was really only one person who was missing. 

As if on queue, chat started spamming Tommy’s name, for a moment Techno thought he had been mumbling his thoughts out loud, before he looked between Phil and Wilbur, who both seemed equally confused. Moving Wilbur’s mouse over the chat to pause it, Techno tried to read some of the messages. 

“Oh he tweeted something” he mumbled, pulling his phone out of his pocket without a care. Maybe some irl streamers would have used the computer but knowing Wilbur’s history, he doubted it could run Chrome and streamlabs at the same time. 

Looking at the tweet he felt a little pang of guilt. It was lighthearted and jokey but he knew there’d be a little truth to it. He nudged the other two and read it aloud to them. 

‘Damn guess I’m not a sleepy boy after all’

The air felt a little thick after that, they hadn’t meant to exclude Tommy; all of the excitement of Techno coming to stay had just made it a little hard to arrange to have Tommy here after all. 

Still, they probably should have still told him though. They were supposed to be each other's family.  

“Hey chat I think we’re gonna have to end stream early.” Wilbur finally piped up, deciding it wouldn't be right to carry on when they had hurt their friend, not that chat needed to know that though, he didn’t want to embarrass Tommy. 

“I feel kinda sick and I don't think you all wanna watch me vomit right? Yeah so it’s best we end it now” 

Techno sniggered to himself at that, in games Wilbur always seemed to be very cunning but he supposed he wasn’t very good at lying when it was about something he actually cared about. Said something being Tommy.  

After raiding Fundy, the trio hopped straight onto discord. 

Tommy didn't answer the first time he was called. 

Or the second. 

Finally, after three calls, Tommy decided he’d talk to them. 

“You are all a bunch of dick heads, you know that? What the hell! Why wasn’t I invited to the sleepy boy’s stream! Wilbur you bitch!” Through all the vulgar language and the constant yelling, it was clear that Tommy was genuinely upset. 

He had every right to be, as far as Techno was concerned. From his point of view his friend’s had just gone off and hung out without him. He just hoped he’d calm down once they explained everything.  

“You know I thought we were friends! I thought we were brothers! But if you don’t wanna hang out with a ‘kid’ you can just tell me and i’ll- i'll go!” He was still yelling, as usual, it was clear he was trying to make this into a joke where he could overreact but Techno noticed the small sniffles and the quiver in his voice. 

By the looks on Phil’s and Wilbur’s faces, they recognised it too.  

“Listen, Tommy” 

Wil was the first to talk, it made sense, it seemed that Tommy trusted him the most at times. Sometimes Techno could be a bit too cold and sometimes Phil could get a bit too overbearing.

Techno understood this, he didn’t take it personally, he knew it was only natural that you have people you trust with your emotions more than others. It didn’t mean Tommy didn’t love them just as much, just that they weren’t his ‘go-to’ when he felt down. 

Techno felt the same way sometimes. Feeling’s got complicated and personally he thought Phil was the best to talk to about that, the fact that he was older and had his life sorted out gave him a sense of comfort, like he could trust him because he knew what he was talking about. 

“We didn’t plan a meetup, it just sorta happened. Phil was at my place, helping me record, and then Techno’s Uni had a fire and he needed a place to stay while they’re making it safe again” Wilbur sighed as he heard Tommy moving on the other side of his mic. Techno wondered what he was doing. 

“We would have invited you, had we known that we’d all be in the same place Toms” 

Phil took over, giving Wilbur a little sympathetic smile. The brunette so obviously felt guilty about the situation. 

“But when we got the call from Tech’ it was past 3 in the morning and it was tipping it down with snow, as soon as we got home we all slept. We decided to do a stream this morning but never once did we intend to try and make you feel like you aren’t welcome with us” 

Finally it was Techno’s turn to talk...Fuck.

He wasn’t exactly the most sentimental guy, he struggled to show his emotions and he just assumed everyone he cared for just knew that he cared for them. He rarely had to say it out loud. God okay. He just had to swallow his pride and go for it. 

“Tommy you are a sleepy boy and you are our brother. We did kind of a dick move today and if I was you I’d probably be upset too. I know I didn't like seeing you guys playing without me during MCC and that wasn’t even any of our decisions. We should have called you or something. I know I kinda tease you a lot but that’s just how I show I like people. Listen Tommy if I didn’t care about you I wouldn’t be comfortable enough to make those kinds of jokes with you. It’s not funny if it’s hurting you though..”

Techno bit his lip, this wasn’t as hard as he had anticipated but it was coming out like word vomit. 

“You’re young Tommy but you’re so talented. We love you”

There was some more rustling, it sounded like Tommy was wiping his eyes. Maybe the boy had expected a yelling match, only for it to turn out to be very emotional. 

“I love you guys too.. If you ever exclude me ever again though I’m getting my vlog knife out”

[sprnklersplashes]

power of three

canon divergence where cady is not a plastic, and goes to janis’ art show instead (ao3)

It’s a strange feeling, all these eyes on her. 

The room is packed, people swirling around in all directions, conversations fading in and out of earshot. There’s a glass in her hand (lemonade, of course) and people she vaguely recognises coming up to shake her free one, congratulating her on getting this far. She blushes slightly, thanks them and takes a sip of her drink to keep herself from passing out. Rinse and repeat, over and over, for what feels like an hour, but when Damian grabs her by the elbow and pulls her out, it turns out it had been five minutes.

It’s not bad, all this attention, not when it’s praise rather than damnation. When people come up to her with admiration in their eyes, rather than scorn. She’s just not very used to it.

“Thank you,” she breathes into Damian’s ear. He chuckles and loops his arm so that her hand rests on it, like they’re a married couple at some gala far more pretentious than this. She chuckles, and what’s more she can lean on him now. Keeping herself upright is suddenly far less of a challenge.

“Well, it looked like you were either going to explode if one more person came up to you,” he explains as they weave in and out of the crowd. “And funny as that would be, I think you’d need to be in tact when they give you your prize.”

“Oh shush you,” she replies, hoping her feigned nonchalance covers the prickling insecurity in her gut. Maybe it would, if it was someone other than Damian. “Besides, I don’t need to win. Getting to the finals is more than enough for me.” The words feel false on her tongue, and even more so when Damian raises his eyebrow, a silent signal meaning you’re talking bullshit and you know it. She stands her ground for a total of three seconds before she sighs and looks into her half-finished glass. “I don’t want to get my hopes up, is all.”

“Well too bad,” Damian replies. “Because my hopes are all riled up.” He nudges her with his shoulder, and she manages a smile then. “I mean it. They’d be crazy not to pick you. If they do, I’m filing a lawsuit.”

“You do that.” She turns and takes in her surroundings, mainly the other paintings on the walls, and the confidence Damian instilled in her dips a little. When her art teacher told her to fill out the application, she did so mainly to please her. She’s never really been interested in putting her art up to be judged. For her, that would be like ripping a page out of her diary and publishing it in the school newsletter. But she did it anyway, not expecting to get past the application stage. But she did, evidently, and then she got past the second round and the third, each time feeling like there must have been some mistake. Because now she’s looking at the other works on the walls, mostly made by real artists who go to real art schools, and she’s not sure how she’s meant to compare here.  

“You seen Cady yet?” she asks, ripping her gaze away from the other paintings. Damian shakes his head and checks his watch before the two of them scan the room, searching for caramel coloured curls or a funky-coloured flannel. “She has the right address, right?”

“Yeah,” he replies. Janis nods and takes a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. There could be a hundred reasons as to why Cady hasn’t showed up yet, right? After all, it’s a new city and she still doesn’t know it very well, or maybe she’s running late, maybe her tutoring Aaron went on longer than expected. Maybe she couldn’t get out of the thing with her parents after all. She did text ‘sorry, running late, be there as soon as I can’ about ten minutes ago, so that means she’s coming, right?

“Hey,” Damian’s voice whispers in her ear, his hand on her back as if she’s about to fall. “Don’t worry about it. She’ll be here. And if she isn’t, I’ll shove her into a locker myself, K?”

She nods, even though it’s shakier than it ought to be, and turns, her mouth open to reassure both him and herself, but something catches her eye. Something, or rather someone, coming through the door, with all the grace and care of a small hurricane. Someone smaller than her with wide eyes and caramel coloured curls and… a blue flannel.

She can breathe again.

“Caddy!” She waves her over, mindful of the drink in her hand and Damian beside her, and her friend hurries over to her, forgoing a handshake in favour of wrapping her in a brief but tight hug. “You made it.”

“I did,” they sigh. “Sorry, I’m late, I grossly misjudged how far away this place was and it was my first time taking the bus on my own.”

“It’s okay,” she replies. “I mean really, it’s fine.”

“Public transportation is a nightmare in this city,” Damian chimes in. “Glad you made it, little slice.” Cady squeals and hugs him too, stretching up on their toes and wrapping their arms around his shoulders. Damian grins, his joy so bright it’s hard to believe he was plotting their hypothetical revenge on Cady not seconds earlier.

She knows he’d have never gone through with it.

“Let’s go get you a drink,” Damian says. “Unfortunately, we can’t go up to the bar unless you managed to sneak in a fake ID.”

“I didn’t, sorry,” Cady laughs.

“Don’t worry about it,” Janis says as she hands her a lemonade. “Alcohol is far overrated anyway. We wanted to wait for you before we got food too.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that.”

“We know, we’re just awesome people,” Janis says as she and Damian lead Cady to the food table. It’s all little snacks mainly-tiny hot dogs, mini quiches, little finger sandwiches, and Cady is amazed by them. 

“They’re so cute!” they exclaim as they load another sandwich onto their already-sagging paper plate. “It’s like little doll food!” Janis and Damian’s eyes simultaneously grow wider as they watch; this tiny girl who can apparently wolf down more than they can combined. Cady just smiles, brighter than any lamp in the room, and Janis feels compelled to smile back.

Cady’s funny like that. 

“Okay, come on, kiddos,” Damian says, grabbing Cady by the hand and nodding for Janis to follow. The twinkle in his eye tells her everything she needs to know about what he plans and her cheeks grow warmer as she follows them. “We want to get a good seat for this.”

She ducks her head, her hair falling infront of her face like a curtain, but behind is one of the warmest smiles she’s ever known.

“I feel kind of underdressed,” Cady remarks, their eyes scanning the crowds. They pull on their shirt, the gesture seemingly subconscious. “I didn’t know how fancy this was going to be. Maybe I should have dressed up a little.”

“Oh you’re fine.” Janis waves her hand dismissively. “It’s not that fancy.” She feels a little hypocritical here, after all, she was the one who went out and bought herself a new jacket especially for this event, but she stands by what she said. Cady looks fine. “You clearly have your formal flannel on anyway.”

Cady bursts out laughing at that, earning a confused look from some passers-by. That only makes the two of them laugh harder, their snickers hidden behind their hands. It stings for a moment, because that gesture is so closely associated with Regina in Janis’ mind, but it’s brushed aside as Cady links their arms together. Janis breathes out. Regina isn’t even here, and she has no place in her friendships. Not anymore.

“Thanks so much for inviting me, Janis,” Cady says. 

“Hey, no problem, Caddy,” she says. “You’re one of us now. Which means you get dragged to my art shows and Damian’s drama club performances.” Cady giggles at that. “And then to make it fair, you get to drag us to your Mathlete contests and everyone wins.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Cady says. 

Something blossoms in Janis’ chest, something new and exciting. For so long it had just been her and Damian and she was fine with it. More than fine. But when she said what she said to Cady, you’re one of us now… she was saying that there was an us to be a part of. That they aren’t loners anymore. That… that she isn’t. That she can let people in now. 

She wonders how that little 12 year old girl would react if she told her.

“Are you okay?” Cady asks. Janis blinks, her breath coming out in a quick gasp, and she takes a drink to cool her warm cheeks. Cady stands beside her, not overly concerned, but not oblivious either. They squeeze Janis’ hand, their eyes gentle and kind, and Janis tries not to get emotional. Again.

“Fine,” she tells them. “Just nervous.” It’s not entirely a lie. Her eyes meet Damian’s over Cady’s head and he sees right through her, because of course he does. She doesn’t mind though, not one little bit. Because she knows he’s thinking the same thing.

Strange, she thinks, how quickly this little jungle freak infiltrated their tight-knit friendship. She smiles and lets Cady rest their head on her shoulder. Strange, and she loves it.

                                                                          ******

It’s way past dark when Damian’s scooter pulls up outside Janis’ house. Her hair is tangled from the ride home, her back aching a little after having spent the better part of 30 minutes leaning over Damian, but she’s far too happy to care. In fact, it’s one of those rare instances where she can’t find it in herself to care about anything; school, her friends, her future, or the weather. All that matters is her and Damian, and the jokes they’re sharing, and the painting sitting in the jazzy’s front basket. That’s her world right now, and it’s all she needs.

She’s still laughing as she jumps off the jazzy, the cheeks-hurt-can’t-breathe kind of laughter, and Damian follows, making sure to double check all the breaks before he hops off. She goes to lift her painting but he holds one hand in front of her face and grabs it with the other, tucking it beneath his arm instead. She rolls her eyes, but it’s for show. There’s a proud smile on his face, the twinkle in his eyes evident even in the dark, and he stops to grab her hand before they head inside.

“Have I told you how proud I am yet?” he asks her.

“Only a hundred times,” is her reply, and she gives his hand a grateful squeeze.

“Can I say I told you so yet?”

“Only if I can kick you in the shins afterwards,” she says firmly, only for the two to burst out laughing as she turns the key in the lock.

The hallway is far warmer than outside and Janis can’t not sigh in relief when she enters. She takes off her jacket and hangs it up and Damian does the same. Her mom told him back when they were twelve to “make himself at home” and he’s never stopped doing so. They head into the kitchen, following the sound of low chatter and the muted lights. It doesn’t surprise her that her parents beat them home; even if she hadn’t already seen the car parked in the drive, she knows that car beats jazzy every single time.

What does surprise her, however, is the sight of Cady sitting at the kitchen table, sipping tea from her Eyeore mug, and making polite chithcat with her parents. 

They had offered Cady a ride on the jazzy, Janis even demonstrating how they would both fit on safely, but Cady had politely declined, insisting on riding their bike instead. Janis had relented, seeing there was no convincing them re: the scooter, and wrote down detailed instructions on how to get to her place and also telling them to call if they got lost. Even with those precautions, Janis wasn’t convinced Cady would make it, and was expecting her phone to vibrate on the way home.

But no. Here’s Cady. Sitting at her table like they’ve done it before. Like it isn’t the first time.

Their eyes find Janis’ as she walks in, and their face breaks out into a relieved smile. Janis hides a smile of her own, a small tug of sympathy in her chest. Cady is sweet, and she loves her parents, but she’s also sure there’s only so many conversation topics one can have.

“You’re back!” her dad announces, half-turning in his seat. “How was the scooter?”

“It was fun,” she says. “We got yelled at by these college kids.”

“Oh don’t tell me that,” her mom sighs. “Really, Damian, I’m surprised your mom let you ride that thing at night.”

“She said as long as I wear a helmet, everything’s fine.”

“I see. And did you?” her mom asks. Damian stops then, his mouth pressed into a thin line, and that’s enough of an answer. Her mom rolls her eyes, but it’s a fond gesture, and she chuckles warmly under her breath.

“At least Cady wore a helmet,” she says, gesturing across the table. “Maybe they’ll be a good influence on you.”

“Or we’ll corrupt them and turn them dark,” Janis jokes, winking over at them. Cady smiles softly, their cheeks turning pink. “One way to find out.” She heads over and pulls up a chair beside Cady, their elbows bumping on the table. “Sorry we left you hanging here on your own.”

“It’s fine,” they reply. “Got talking with your parents.”

“And I think that’s our cue to leave now,” her mom says. Her dad nods and finishes up his coffee before rising from the table, stretching his arms over his head. “You kids have fun, okay?”

“But not too much fun, I still want this kitchen intact when I get back.”

“No promises, Dad,” Janis grins. Her dad raises a playful eyebrow at her, meanwhile her mom counts on her fingers, ticking off her mental checklist. 

“Okay, so the pizza menu’s in the drawer, money’s on the counter, we’ve got the living room set up and we’re just upstairs if you need anything,” her mom says. 

“Thanks Mom.”

“Thanks Laura,” Damian adds, at the same time Cady says “Thanks Mrs Heron.” They shift slightly, only noticeable to those sitting next to them, and Janis threads her fingers through Cady’s, hopefully letting her know she’s just as welcome here as Damian is. Cady smiles softly in return and runs her thumb over Janis’ knuckles. 

“Alright, have a good night kids,” her dad says. “We’re off to watch boring nature documentaries on Netflix like adults.”

“Maybe you are,” her mom adds, tapping his chest. “I’m finishing my mystery novel.” Janis chuckles, warmth fluttering in her chest. Her parents might be, well, parents, but damn she loves them.

Even more so when her dad pokes his head around the door and says “Janis… I’m so proud of you.” Sure, her cheeks burn in front of her friends, but a grin spreads across her face at the same time. Her parents are the best, and she’ll fight anyone on that. 

Not twenty minutes later they’re sitting in the living room, all clad in their pyjamas, the room lit solely by lamps. Janis made sure to bring down as many extra blankets and pillows as she could, ensuring there could be no spot that wasn’t cosy. Three pizza boxes sit in the middle of the floor, each one a different level of demolished. Damian ordered Hawaiian, partially because he knew it would drive Janis crazy, and poor Cady got pulled into the ongoing ‘pineapple on pizza’ debate, something they had apparently missed out on while chasing lions in Kenya. Lucky they have them, then.

“It’s a fruit, and fruits do not belong on a pizza,” Janis says, standing on her couch for the full effect. “I will have pineapple on a lot of things. In a salad. In a cake. In my conditioner so that I always smell like a tropical paradise. But pizza is not one of those things.Thank you for coming to my TED talk.”

“Counter point,” Damian replies. “Tomato is a fruit, and there is tomato sauce on every pizza in existence.”

“Counter-counter point, tomato is an acceptable fruit for pizza, pineapple isn’t.”

“Coutner-counter-counter point, who are you to decide which fruits are acceptable?”

“Counter-counter-counter-counter point, I’m cute,” she says. 

“Cannot argue with that,” Damian replies, leaning back on the couch. “Caddy, be our tiebreaker please?” Janis pouts, suspecting he’s only relenting so he can eat more pizza instead, but it’s a victory and so she takes it.

“I’m amazed neither one of you have gone out for debate team,” Cady says, who had been watching the argument with their head bopping back and forth. They sit with one of the blankets wrapped around them, their chin resting on their knees. They scrunch their face up slightly, their gaze shifting from Janis to Damian and back again, and a mischievous grin forms on their lips. “But… I am ultimately sold on Janis’ point of view, sorry Damian.”

“I am flabbergasted,” Damian sighs, throwing himself back on the couch. He throws his hand against his forehead, the perfect picture of the fainting Victorian maiden. Suitably dramatic, of course. “Horrified. Betrayed. Ultimately humiliated. My honour has been squandered.”

“You never had honour to begin with,” Janis quips as she jumps off the couch. She settles herself beside Cady, pleasantly surprised when they open up the blanket and drape it around her shoulders. She scoots a little closer until their knees touch, and her smile widens.

“Okay losers, what movie are we making Caddy watch?” Damian asks. “I’ve got Sound of Music, Chicago, Cabaret and if we’re not feeling like a musical tonight, we have Heathers, The Bee Movie, Night at the Museum and Legally Blonde.” He takes out each movie and displays it on the floor, sitting in front of Cady like jewellery in a cabinet, and their eyes grow slowly wider.

“Is the Bee Movie just a movie about bees?” they ask, their nose scrunched up.

“Yes and it’s a masterpiece,” Janis replies. “It explores the depths and complexities of human sexuality, the insidious reality of our capitalist society and what it means to truly love someone.”

Cady nods slowly but skeptically, and their hand passes over the DVD. Janis makes a mental note to work on her Bee Movie pitch. Damian shrugs sympathetically, a silent well, you tried in his eyes.

“What about this one?” Cady asks, holding up Heathers.

“Hell yeah,” is her answer. It’s a personal favourite of Janis’, and yes a little bit of a fantasy, not that she’d ever go as far as Veronica did. She taps Cady’s shoulder and pulls herself up.  “I’ll go get the popcorn ready.”

“Why don’t I give you a hand?” Cady asks, already jumping to their feet. Janis jumps a little, taken aback by her new friend’s enthusiasm.

“Um… okay, sure,” she says. “Damian, can you set up the movie?” 

“On it, kids,” he replies. “Go make me a shitton of popcorn.” Janis leads Cady out of the living room, half holding their hand, and into the kitchen. If Cady feels the same awkwardness she does they do a good job of hiding it, caramel curls bouncing around their shoulders as they almost skip after Janis. 

“Hey can you grab some bowls for me?” she asks as she grabs popcorn out of the cupboards. “There’s some really big ones in the back of this cupboard here.” Cady nods and whisks around her kitchen, quick as the little lions they love so dearly, and emerges with three brightly coloured plastic bowls. Janis grins, especially at the size of them. “Amazing.”

“You know, back in Kenya, my mom would make popcorn for us sometimes, too,” Cady tells her.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. But instead of watching movies at night we’d sit outside and watch the animals roaming around.” Janis turns and catches the wistful look in her new friend’s eye. She almost sees it in her own mind, the kitchen floor transforming into a quiet, moonlit jungle. “But we’d be wrapped up in our blankets and sitting in our chairs and we knew we’d be safe. They weren’t pets but were our animals. And it was different every time.”

They duck their head then, hair falling in front of their face as a quiet, shaky breath escapes them. Janis rests her hand on their shoulder, drawn closer to the little jungle kid. 

“You must miss it there,” she whispers. “Africa, I mean.”

“A bit,” Cady confesses. “Sometimes.” They don’t cry, but their voice is thin and strained, and it’s not unfamiliar to Janis. “But I wanted to come here for years. And I’m glad I did. So...” Their voice trails off and Janis can only wince in sympathy as she runs her hand in circles around Cady’s shoulder. They pause, taking the moment together, and Cady leans closer to her until their head rests on her shoulder. A smile graces their face, small but so bright. “Thanks.”

“No problemo,” she replies. Just in time, the microwave goes off and the two open the door to steaming warm popcorn. They shake it out amongst the three bowls, both secretly adding stragglers to their own even if they’ll share with Damian later. Cady balances two in their hands while Janis tidies up after them and switches off the light. They step into the dimly lit hall and are just about to head to the living room when Janis stops suddenly, a new sense of strength creeping in. The last time she felt like this was when she was twelve, and was looking over at Damian on a similar night. Like something is locking in her heart, and she’s deciding, yep, we’re definitely keeping her. 

“Hey, Caddy?” she asks in a low voice. Cady turns, her eyes wide, and Janis feels herself soften. “I’m really glad you came tonight too.”

Cady grins, a kind of breathless gratitude on their face and goes to hug Janis, only to laugh and remember the popcorn at the last minute.

Janis hugs them on the couch to make up for it. 

Damian doesn’t mind, especially not when Maxie decides he wants to join the party too and cuddles up with Damian on the chair. Janis mumbles something about a “traitor dog” before slipping right back into the movie, quoting it word for word like it’s a second language. Cady raises their eyebrows, seemingly impressed by her ability, and Janis simply shrugs.

“It’s a gift,” she tells them. “Wait and see kiddo, soon we’ll have you quoting this movie off by heart.”

“How very,” Cady replies, and the three of them burst into late night giggles.

They put on Legally Blonde next, another classic Cady hasn’t seen. Cady even talks about how excited they are for it, but before Warner has even broken up with Elle, Janis looks down to find Cady curled up in a ball next to her, fast asleep. Janis  pulls the blanket over her, a rush of protectiveness flowing through her as she does so. It makes sense, she supposes. Cady is one of them now after all. They protect their own.

“Hey,” Damian’s voice comes as a loud whisper from across the room. He’s almost asleep himself, his hand slowly running through Maxie’s fur. He lazily points over at Cady, a crooked smile on his face. “You were right.”

Janis blinks in tired confusion until she realises what he’s referring to; that first day in French class, where Cady had so desperately tried to think of their ‘French name’. When Janis had leaned back in her chair and dropped a note on Damian’s desk. 

“We’re adopting them. That’s our new child” it had read and they went into that bathroom that day and never looked back.

“Yeah.” She turns to say something else, but finds Damian asleep too, Maxie curled up in his lap. Unlike Cady, he had no problem pulling the blanket over himself. She chuckles softly, the only sound in the otherwise quiet room. It’s his house too after all.

She gets up slowly, careful not to disturb Cady, and turns the movie off. They can watch it tomorrow morning after all. She settles down on the couch, right beside Cady again, and pretends that her eyes aren’t blurry. 

As she looks around the room, she finds her prize winning painting propped against the wall, and her cheeks flush at the sight. It had been a vague idea in her mind for a while, but when her teacher had told her to “draw from the heart”, it was the first contender. It’s silly and it’s cliche and it’s sappy; all the things she pretends she isn’t. But it’s also the most authentic piece she’s ever created, and that’s why she loves it so much. It’s all the bits of herself she used to be scared of, sitting on a canvas for all to see. The parts that are open and loving and unafraid. Creating it may have been scary, but the rewards go beyond the prize she won.

It occurs to her, in her fuzzy, half-asleep mind, that maybe that’s the reason it won. Maybe she should try it again sometime.

[kayluh1915]

Beautiful People

Paring(s): Pedro Pascal/Female Reader

Words: 5,378

Warnings: Angst with a Happy Ending, Anxiety Disorder, Medication Discussions, Insecurities, and Panic Attacks.

You and Pedro have been secretly dating for a few months now after a chance meeting. You both agreed that it was time to reveal your relationship to the public and chose to do so by accompanying him at The Oscars, but your anxiety does a great job of making you think that you don't deserve it.

DISCLAIMER!

This story is based on the song Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran & Khalid, but this IS NOT a songfic. It just gave me this vibe of Pedro walking down the red carpet with someone who doesn't quite feel like they belong and he comforts her by saying he doesn't really belong either and proceeds to list why they're better off because of it. I dunno, It just sounded sweet.

As always, comments are welcomed and encouraged.

You can also follow me on Twitter if you'd like. My life is boring, but I might be able to make you laugh if I’m lucky.

Enjoy!

(PS: Pepe is a real person. He was my Spanish teacher my first semester of college... and yes, he really went to Cincinnati every Friday to gamble)

Read on AO3

My Masterlist

The frigid February air was like icicles on your skin, sending a full-blown shiver down your spine as you hurried out of the Science building and towards the dining hall. It was nearly noon and you’ve had only had a banana and a bottle of water this morning, so lunch sounded pretty great right about now… maybe a cup of hot cocoa as well.

The dining hall was about a three-minute walk from the Science building, more than enough time for the cold to seep through the layers of your coat and deep into your bones. The possibility of a cup of cocoa turned into an inevitability, you running for the hot beverage machine as soon as your student ID was swiped.

You sat at your usual spot, hanging your backpack on the back of the chair before taking a greedy sip of the hot drink. The warmth was a godsend, the sugary beverage warming your icy hands with a pleasant hum tumbling from your lips.

“You make noises like that in bed?” Someone asked, snapping you out of your warming daze. It was your roommate and closest friend, Lauren. You snorted at her remark, almost spitting out a sip of your drink.

“I thought you had Spanish class at noon?”

“Nah. It’s Friday, remember?”

“Oh yeah, gambling day.” Like you, Lauren was a music student. It was how you had met nearly four years ago. Like most music students, you both used the extra humanities credits you had earned in high school to bail you out of the required foreign language credit until university. You were doing fairly well so far, but it was because you had a decent teacher. She wasn’t the best, but she was alright.

Lauren’s was just… something else.

On the first day of class, he told his students to call him “Pepe” because he didn’t do the “formal shit.” He also said that there would never be a class on Friday’s because he goes up to Cincinnati to gamble with his buddies. Why he didn’t just put down that his classes were only on Monday and Wednesday were beyond you.

“Yeah. Whatever, though right?” Lauren continued. “I’m not complaining about one less day of class.” You smirked mischievously.

“No, but your Spanish is…” Lauren scoffed, only causing you to laugh harder into your cup.

“Bitch, you shut the fuck up. You can’t speak the damn language either.” You shrugged.

“You’re not wrong, but at least I’m learning more than you are with Pepe.” Lauren groaned.

“Fuck you. Come on, let’s grab some grub.” You stood up and grabbed your backpack, throwing away your empty drink cup to grab something to eat. You settled on your usual favorite and sat back down with Lauren who had somehow already made it halfway through her plate.

“God, slow down.” You teased as you hung your backpack back on the chair.

“I didn’t eat breakfast this morning. Cut a bitch a break.” You shook your head, digging into your own plate, but at a much slower pace. You both sat in comfortable silence, enjoying your meals as the indecent chatter of the surrounding students and meme music playing from the jukebox continued on.

“So,” Lauren said, breaking the silence as she sat down her drink. “What are you doing this weekend?” You froze at her question but played it off the best you could. Any hint of hesitation would send her into a frenzy of questions that you weren’t prepared to answer.

“I’m going in to see Mom. Maybe stop by my Mamaw’s too.” Lauren’s shoulders slumped.

“Damn, that’s too bad. Devon invited us over to his Oscar watch party tomorrow night. Figured you might want to come along since you’re into that sort of thing.” 

You swallowed hard at the mention of The Oscars. Just play it cool… don’t. fucking. panic.

“Normally I would, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen Mom. You know how she gets when I don’t come to visit for a while.” Lauren nodded her head in understanding, knowing full well of how your Mom was after living with you for two years.

Little did she know that you had just seen your mother last weekend.

“I understand, boo. I’ll let him know you can’t make it. When are you leaving?”

“As soon as I’m done here. I packed my stuff this morning so I could just go. Trying to beat the traffic as much as possible.” She nodded in understanding.

“Well, I hope you have a good time with your Mom. Say hi to her for me, will you?” You internally sighed a breath in relief. How your big mouth managed to keep him a secret all this time let alone this was beyond you, but you managed to pull it off somehow.

“Yeah, sure.”

After you finished eating, you hugged Lauren goodbye and went back to your dorm long enough to drop off the books you didn’t need and pick up your suitcase. You went through your mental checklist one last time and locked your door behind you as you left.

You unlocked your car and threw your stuff into the backseat, making your way towards the interstate as soon as you left the college.

Home was about a two or three-hour drive down south, but where you were really going was about a 40-minute drive north. You put on some music as you cruise down the interstate, your nervousness slowly increasing the closer you got to your destination.

Your hands shook on the steering wheel, you bounced your left knee furiously, and you were biting your lip… pretty hard. You thought about reaching into your purse for the “take as needed” anxiety medication your psychiatrist prescribed you but decided to hold off on it a little longer. Maybe it’d taper off when you got to the airport.

It didn’t.

You had flown before, but that had been years ago when your micro home town had some kind of festival thing and gave free airplane rides. This commercial airline stuff was something entirely new to you which was already nerve wreaking, but the unexpected bustle of such a smaller airport made it worse.

Weeks before when you first booked the flight to Los Angles, you did as much research as possible to make sure that you knew the “norms” and guidelines of all the airports you were going to since there were no direct flights available. You were as prepared as anyone could be, but you were still extremely nervous and all the foot traffic only made it worse.

You went through security without any qualms and took a seat to wait for your flight to begin boarding. You pulled out your phone and texted your Mom and Lauren before someone walked up to you in your peripheral.

“Excuse, miss?” You looked up from your phone to come face to face with an older gentleman. He looked to be in his early 50’s with salt and peppered hair and a kind smile. He asked you your name and you confirmed with a nod.

“Sorry to disturb you, but your private flight is prepared to depart whenever you’re ready, Miss.”

...Excuse you, what?

“P-Private flight? But I-... I paid for an American Airlines flight.” The man nodded.

“Yes, but Mr. Pascal has sent a private jet to retrieve you. He was fairly insistent to make sure that you boarded.” You sighed heavily. You told him that a two-stop economy flight that you paid for was more than fine, but the thought of you doing anything like a normal person seemed to bother him for some reason.

“Okay. I-I guess I’m ready to go then.” The man smiled.

“Of course, Miss. May I take your bags for you?” You hesitated.

You had never been waited on like this before and you weren’t quite sure how to feel or respond to it. You were perfectly capable of carrying your own stuff and this guy probably wasn’t getting paid enough to carry some lucky college student’s stuff, but was it rude to say no even if you did so in a polite manner? So, you just agreed and handed him over your suitcase and backpack.

You followed him outside and over to a small commercial jet, a woman who looked to be around her mid 30’s standing right by the entrance of the aircraft.

“Welcome aboard, Miss. I’m Kendall Bishop and I’m your captain for today. If you’ll go ahead and take a seat and buckle your seat belt, we’ll depart shortly. I do ask, however, that you remain seated and keep your seat belt fastened until Mr. Clements informs you that it is safe to move about the cabin. Do you have any questions for me before we begin our descent?”

You smiled politely at her and shook your head.

Upon entering the cabin, you were at a complete loss for words. It was easily the fanciest thing you’d ever seen. Leather seats, stocked alcohol shelves, an endless assortment of snacks, a TV, even a fucking bed of all things. The man, Mr. Clements you assumed, gestured towards the seat closest to you. You sat down and buckled your seat belt like you were told to do.

Mr. Clements then reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope, gesturing for you to take it.

“Mr. Pascal requested I hand this to you as soon as you board.” You took the envelope out of his hands, looking down at it with a curious gaze. On the back of it had your name scribbled onto it in familiar handwriting. You’d know it anywhere after reading so many letters from him.

“Please enjoy your flight and let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.” You thanked him with another nod, turning the envelope around and tearing it open. The plane prepared to take off as you read.

Mi Abeja,

I know you wanted and paid for a normal flight, but the academy offered to fly you to me privately last second. I was going to ask you if you were okay with it, but you were in class and your phone was off and I had to let them know something before my table read this morning. You work and study so hard and deserve to be pampered so I told them yes. They reimbursed what you paid for your ticket and I’ll give that to you once you get here.

I hope the unexpected change didn’t spike your anxiety too much. I know you’re nervous about this whole thing to begin with and I probably just made it worse. I’m sorry if I did.

 I’ll be there to pick you up as soon as you land at LAX.

Love you,

Pedro. <3 <3 

Your heart soared at his words, leaning back in your seat and looking out of the nearby window just in time to watch the plane lift up from the runway.

________________________

Four hours later, Mr. Clements informed you that you would be landing shortly. Your heart leaped up in your chest as you put your phone back into your backpack and fastened your seat belt.

It had been a few weeks since you’d last seen him and you were nearly vibrating with excitement by the time the wheels touched down on the runway. Mr. Clements offered to take your things again. You still weren’t sure if it was rude to turn him down or not and you didn’t want to ask and risk looking like a moron, so you agreed and handed over your backpack.

The captain opened up the door and exchanged pleasantries with you as you stepped off the plane, but you barely heard her over the pounding of your own heart. As soon as you looked up from the ramp, you saw him. He was there just like he promised he’d be, standing by his car and wearing his favorite pair of sunglasses all while smiling at you with that blinding smile.

Your sneakers barely touched the tarmac before you were sprinting for him. He held out his arms for you and made a small sound when you collided with him, wrapping your arms around his neck and laying your head on his chest. One of his hands caressed the back of your head, holding you to him tightly as the other one held on to your waist.

“I’ve missed you so much, Abeja.” He muttered against the crown of your head. You let go of him long enough to reach up and kiss him, tangling your hand into his dark curls. “Did you have a good flight?” He asked after you pulled away.

“I did. I was a little nervous at first, but I’m okay now.” Pedro gave you a saddened look.

“I’m sorry. I know it was unexpected and didn’t mean to hike you up, I just figured yo-” You put your hand over his mouth.

“It wasn’t your fault, Pedro. I’m just… not used to this… any of it.” He placed a gentle kiss to your fingers, taking your wrist into his hand and gently taking it off of his mouth.

“Please tell me you at least ate something.“ You nodded.

“I ate with Lauren before I left for the airport. She actually invited me to an Oscar watch party this guy named Devon is hosting. I played it cool just like we practiced, but it took everything in me not to freak out.” Pedro giggled, pressing a kiss to your nose.

“Isn’t she in for a surprise?” You barely smiled, nodding gently. You’ve been trying not to think about it, but the idea of you being on display to the entire world made your stomach churn and your knees weak. You were just a first-generation college student from the middle of nowhere, yet here you are in the arms of Pedro Pascal about to walk down the runway of the most prestigious award show in less than 24 hours.

“... Yeah.” You eventually answered. Pedro noticed the change in your demeanor and frowned, placing a kiss on the wrist he was still holding and caressing it gently with his thumb.

“We don’t have to go through with this if you don’t want to, you know? We can always go with plan B.” You shook your head vigorously.

“No, no, no! I-I want people to know… I just… all so new.” Pedro smiled at you sympathetically, brushing a stray piece of hair away from your face.

“Just promise you’ll let me know if it ever becomes too much for you. I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.” You look up into his mocha gaze, the butterflies in your stomach making you forget about your self-doubt if only for a few seconds.

“I promise.”

________________________

That evening you were curled up with Pedro in the hotel bed, empty take-out containers discarded onto the nearby nightstand as you watched The Shining together. He was fully engrossed in the movie, his fingers idly playing with your hair. You had tried to focus on the movie. You really did, but you’ve seen the damn thing a million times. Laughing at memes on Reddit sounded more appealing so that’s what you were doing.

“You know, I really miss you when you’re not with me.” Pedro said after a while. You looked up from your phone and up at his face.

“I miss you too. Music school sucks and I can’t cuddle Lauren… well, I can but it would be awkward.” Pedro laughed, caressing your cheek with his knuckle.

“Tomorrow, our stylists will be here around noon. I know you’re going to be nervous all day and will probably avoid eating, so I’m going to make sure you get up with me and eat a proper breakfast.” You groaned quietly.

“You won’t let me sleep in? Even on a Saturday?” You fake-pouted. Pedro tapped your nose gently with his finger.

“Not when tomorrow is such an important day. I don’t want you nervous on an empty stomach.” You both went back to what you were doing for a minute.

“You did bring your medication, didn’t you?” You hesitated before nodding.

“Yes.”

“Good. You’ll have something in case it gets too intense. Getting you to take it will be another story, though.” You didn’t say anything, favoring instead to raise up from your reclined position to swing your leg over his waist to straddle him. His hands instantly went to your hips, gently caressing them with his large hands.

“You’re so beautiful, Abeja.” He said after a while of looking you over and running his hands over your body. You smiled at him and leaned down to give him a kiss. It was pretty standard as far as kisses go, but when you pulled away you were both looking at one another with a fiery intent and slowly went back in for another. This one searing and far more passionate.

Pedro groaned deep in his throat as your tongues collide, the kiss deepening far beyond your original intent.

You weren’t complaining.

________________________

Pedro’s alarm going off scared the living hell out of you. You had been awake since 4 am, trying your best to go back to sleep, but it just never happened. When you finally gave up around 6:30, you grabbed your backpack and sat at the desk the hotel provided and did your weekend homework. You hadn’t realized that you were that engrossed in it until his alarm buzzed you out of it.

He groaned quietly and reached over to silence it, rolling back over and reaching out to the other side of the bed looking for you. When he noticed that you were gone, he raised up from the sheets and looked around the room. His hair was an absolute nightmare, sticking up in various directions as he stretched out his back and yawned loudly.

“Thought you wanted to sleep in.” He teased after he found you at the desk.

“You said you were going to wake me up early. Figured I might get some work done.” Concern then donned on his brow.

“Honey, how long have you been up?”

“Not long,” you lie. “I wanted to get some work done so I just got up at my usual time.” Pedro got out of bed and padded over to you, rubbing your shoulders and placing a kiss atop your head.

“You work too hard. You should take a break while you can.” You lolled your head back, Pedro’s hands rubbing your shoulders feeling absolutely amazing.

“I’ll do whatever you say as long as you keep doing that.” He laughed, kissing your cheek and heading to the bathroom.

________________________

You didn’t want to question the professional, you really didn’t. But after the third layer of concealer, you just had to.

“That’s a lot of concealer.” The makeup artist laughed.

“I know, I’m sorry. Use some cream for those bags next time and I promise you won’t need as much.”

You didn’t speak after that, allowing the hair and makeup artist to finish you up while they gossiped back and forth with each other. They made other side comments like that to you here and there. They weren’t necessarily rude so you couldn’t really say anything, but they did little for your already rock-bottom self-esteem.

The artist put a dark shade of lipstick on your lips, making a triumphant noise when she finished.

“Didn’t have the best canvas, but you look fabulous sweetheart! Smile with your mouth closed and you’ll be a knockout!” The makeup artist and hairstylist gathered up their things, leaving you sitting there in your robe staring at the floor and hoping they leave fast.

When they finally left, you got up from the bed and walked over to the full-bodied mirror. You showed your teeth and started looking over them. You never thought they looked too bad. Sure, they were crooked and had some spacing, but they were okay. Braces were expensive and playing a brass instrument with braces is a death sentence for lips.

What if you were wrong about them looking okay all this time? Maybe you should have taken out that loan and a semester off to fix your teeth…

Your stylist came in shortly after. He was quieter than the others had been and much nicer which you were thankful for as you changed into the white dress they had picked for you. When you came out, the stylist smiled and hooped.

“You look gorgeous!” You finished off your look with matching jewelry and a clutch purse, sitting down on the bed to put on your heels.

“It took me forever to find a pair of acceptable wedges for you, sweetheart. I don’t know why you didn’t just tough it out for one night, but hey. I get it. Country girls don’t like heels and that’s okay! It worked out.”

Again, not necessarily rude… but damn.

________________________

You were waiting in the lobby for Pedro to come out, bouncing your leg nervously and trying to remember not to touch your eyes or bite your lip because of the makeup. When you saw him step off the elevator, your breath caught in your throat. His hair was slicked back and his facial hair neatly trimmed, the black velvet suit hugging his broad shoulders perfectly.

“Wow…” He muttered, looking you up and down. “You look absolutely stunning, Abeja.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” You replied, playing with his bow tie.

“Hey, hey, no. Don’t touch it. I don’t know how to tie it back if it comes loose.” You laughed and shook your head.

“Fine… I’ll unwrap my present later.” Pedro’s own breath caught as you winked up at him. He cleared his throat and composed himself, offering you his arm.

“Ready?” You swallowed and nodded, taking his arm for him to escort you.

“As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”

________________________

You were in line for the red carpet, the flashing cameras of the paparazzi already blinding and you were still pretty far back. Your stomach churned, a wave of nausea rising up but nothing happening. Pedro took your shaking hand into his and squeezed it gently.

“You okay?” He asked, noticing how tense you were and only grew worse the closer you got.

“... fine.”

“Plan B’s still an option if you need it, Abeja. You have your medicine you can take too.” You shook your head, looking back at him to flash him a smile.

“I’m good.” You could tell that he didn’t buy your bullshit. Not even for a moment. He didn’t say anything, though, opting only to lift your hand and press a kiss to the back of it.

“I’ll be right there beside you the entire time, honey. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or need to leave, you let me know.” You nodded at him, accepting a kiss from him before looking back out the window of the limo.

Your turn came up way sooner than you would have liked, the greeter opening up the limo door as soon as the car stopped and allowing Pedro to step out into the public eye. The photographers went nuts, the flashing lights and screams from fans intimidating you more than you thought they would.

What the fuck were you thinking? You’re just some tired ass music student. You don’t belong here with all these people.

You almost chickened out and stayed in the car but when Pedro turned towards you and offered his hand you took it anyway even though your mind was screaming for you not to. Just the gentle touch of his calloused hand on yours grounded you enough to carefully step out of the limo, making sure that nothing happens to your dress.

You could hear the sounds of the crowd die down for a moment as they all started muttering to themselves. Your hand was shaking in Pedro’s larger one, the photographers gasping as soon as they saw your face. They started taking pictures faster than they ever had. The bombardment of flashing lights blinded you for a moment, but you adjusted to them quickly.

Pedro let go of your hand and put it on your back, gently leading you where you’re supposed to go.

“Okay?” He asked as he wrapped his arm around you and brought you close. You nodded. You weren’t comfortable in the slightest, but it wasn’t the worst thing ever. While both of you posed for pictures, people from the group of photographers said a lot of things to both of you. Some were kind, others were funny and got a good laugh out of you. There were also a few who were very rude, but they had been pushed aside by the others.

Overall, it wasn’t nearly as bad as you were expecting… but you were glad it was over.

________________________

You were standing aside checking your phone while Pedro did an interview with some of the press. He had offered you to be with him, but the red carpet had been more than enough fame for you. Your phone was on “do not disturb” mode, but you could still see all the notifications coming in. Your Mom, Dad, Lauren, and other friends bombarding you with messages basically asking what the fuck. You didn’t have the time to reply, so you didn’t open any of them.

Once Pedro was done with his interviews, he escorted you into the main hall where he introduced you to some of his friends and colleagues along the way. You considered it an honor to meet the people most only ever dreamed of, but you knew you didn’t deserve it. Someone else should be here, not you.

When you found your seats, Pedro offered you his hand. You took it and allowed him to seat you before he took his next to you and wrapped his arm around the back of the seat. The show started shortly after.

________________________

“And the Oscar goes to…” You held onto Pedro’s hand tightly as they opened up the envelope, your shaking hands encased in his. He had told you when he had been nominated that he didn’t expect to win it, but you could tell he had some hope as he tensely watched them read the card.

“Pedro Pascal.” You jumped up with Pedro, hugging him tightly as the audience broke out in cheers.

“You deserve it!” You told him, breaking away to give him a quick kiss. You watched him run up stage and accept the golden statue, walking up to the microphone with a few chuckles as he looked over the award.

“Wow, this is uhhh… this is incredible. Truly amazing.” He started. “I’d like to thank the Academy for this honor, my Mom and Dad who worked hard to raise me right and who supported me. My brother and two sisters for being there for me, mi Abeja for loving me unconditionally, and just… so many others. There are so many people in my life who have helped me get to this milestone and if I were to thank all of you, we’d be here all night. I love you all so very much and this truly… a dream come true. Thank you.

The crowd stands up and cheers loudly. You wanted to, but you were too busy trying to make sure your makeup doesn’t run down your face with a tissue from your clutch. Eventually, you give up trying and decide to go to the bathroom just to make sure everything still looks fine.

Your makeup looked just as flawless as it had before. You wish you would have known that the artist had used waterproof makeup so you could’ve properly celebrated Pedro’s achievement, but oh well. While you were there, you decided to use the bathroom. You didn’t have to go that bad, but might as well take care of it while you’re here.

While you were relieving yourself, you heard two other women come in.

“-ld for her. He needs to settle down with someone like us and around his age. Not some college student.” You froze solid when they realized that they were talking about you.

“I know. She isn’t even that pretty. Did you see her teeth? Do they not have braces where she comes from?”

“For real. Her body’s not that great either. Looks like she comes straight from the shack or something.”

“Wonder if that’s where he found her?” They both giggle.

“Either way, she doesn’t belong here.” You knew they were right, but you just couldn’t bare to listen anymore, pulling your underwear back up and fixing your dress after you flush the toilet.

You then run out of the bathroom, not even looking to see who the women were. It didn’t matter, though. They were right. You should have never came here and you couldn’t stay any longer.

You walked back to your seat and gently tugged on Pedro’s sleeve.

“C-Can we go… Please?” You ask, your voice shaking just as much as your hands. Pedro got up instantly when he saw the look on your face, grabbing his trophy, coat and your clutch. He didn’t ask questions as he placed his hand to the small of your back and began to escort you out of the theater.

By the time you got back into the limo you felt like you couldn’t breathe. The voices around you sounding like water as your vision became black around the edges. Oh God, is this what feels lie to die? You couldn’t die. Not now! You had so much to do, so much t-

Something extremely cold suddenly touched your face, the blackness around your vision fading slightly as you looked up to whoever had put something so damn cold on you.

You were instantly met with the warm eyes of your boyfriend, concern laced on his brow as he gently dabbed a cold washcloth over your face. You could see his mouth moving, but you couldn’t make out what he was saying over the pounding of your heart, but it eventually calmed down enough to where you could begin to hear him.

“There we go, bee… that’s it sweetheart. Nice and easy.” Your breathing slowly calmed down, Pedro cradling you in his arms as your panic attack faded.

“I should have never come here…” You muttered. “I don’t belong here. All these fancy dresses, the flashing cameras, nice cars… I don’t deserve any of this.” Pedro placed a kiss to your forehead.

“Don’t say things like that, Abeja. You deserve this just as much as anyone. And as far as not belonging, trust me when I say I don’t either. And, frankly, I’m fine with that. All of these designer clothes, the mindless gossip, the broken homes, being surrounded by so many but still alone? That’s not really a life worth living. The world of Beautiful People is a lonely life, one that I would rather not live.”

You wasn’t sure what to say, so you just didn’t say anything, curling up as close as you could to him.

He made you take a dose of your anxiety medication when you got back to the hotel, taking it with a swig of water before laying down and curling up close to him. You laid your head on his shoulder, the sounds of his breathing and the gentle feeling of his hand caressing your own shoulder lulling you.

Right before you doze off, you heard him say:

“No matter what any of them has said, you’re perfect the way you are and deserve everything.”

________________________

You wake up the next morning still wrapped up in his arms. You lay there for a while just talking and enjoying one another’s company before he finally got up to use the bathroom.

You reach for your phone on the nightstand, turning off “do not disturb” mode for the first time since yesterday afternoon.

Your phone was overloaded. Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, everywhere was flooded. You didn’t even know where to begin.

Eventually, you just give up trying to put a dent into anything and returned Lauren’s list of missed calls. She answered on the second ring.

“You tell me every little detail, you sneaky bitch. And I mean everything!”

[bytheangell]

You Can’t Keep Safe What Wants to Break - Chapter 4, Simon

(AO3) (Prologue) (Chapter 1 - Magnus) (Chapter 2, Alec) (Chapter 3, Isabelle & Maryse) (Chapter 4 - Simon Lewis)

“Can I talk to you?” Jace asks.

Simon isn’t expecting to see Jace on his doorstep today. In fact, judging from the uncertain look on Jace’s face when Simon opens the door to his apartment he isn’t sure that Jace fully planned on showing up here, either. Or maybe he just didn’t expect Simon to answer, which is totally valid.

“If you’re here to break the news, Izzy already told me,” Simon tells him, nearly ready to shut the door on him.

“I figured as much,” Jace concedes. “But I didn’t come here for that. I just… I wanted your opinion on something. If you have a second,” Jace adds quickly. Then, a bit more slowly, tacks on, “And if you’re willing to talk with me.”

Simon understands why he wasn’t invited to the family dinner reveal of Jace’s decision, that isn’t what he’s upset about. He’s upset mostly on behalf of Izzy, because Izzy wouldn’t even talk to Simon for the better part of last night, and when she finally did she was a mess. He spent hours listening to her alternate between sobs and screams over Jace’s decision to ‘leave her behind’.

Simon feels a similar sting of betrayal, but for a different reason. One that he planned on trying to keep to himself until Jace waltzed into Simon’s apartment before Simon could really get a better grip on his thoughts. So now Jace gets to hear about it... because now that Simon’s looking at him he can’t keep his cool.

“I’m willing,” Simon agrees in the end. Jace makes it two steps into the apartment before Simon jumps on the offensive. “How about we talk about why the solution is to leave, instead of figuring out how to get Clary back here, to all of us?”

Jace’s expression, which starts out hopeful when Simon agrees to talk, falls immediately at that and he walks over to sink down into the sofa.

Simon thinks it’s a fair question. After all, he’s Clary’s best friend. Clary cared - cares - about everyone at the Institute. Jace isn’t the only one with an interest here, and Simon’s more than a little upset that Jace decided to just give up what Simon thought they were working towards together to ride off into the sunset with Clary on his own.

“I tried everything, Simon. I’m out of options. Nothing is going to convince the Clave to welcome her back. She can’t be a Shadowhunter again.”

“Why you?” Simon finally says. “Why is it always you who gets to be the best and save the day? I’d give anything to be a mundane again. To be able to see my mom again. To be Clary’s best friend again. First Raphael, now you… and you don’t even want to be mundane, not really.”

Simon hates that he understands where Raphael was coming from with the whole Daylighter thing now. It’s a fit of stupid, petty jealousy that Simon wishes more than anything he didn’t feel, but here he is, seething with it over the fact that Jace is going to get the chance at the normal, mundane life that Simon wants and can never have.

“I’m sorry, Si,” Jace sighs. “That’s… that’s sort of why I’m here. Which I realize now is extra douchey of me to want to talk about. Forget it.”

Jace stands abruptly and turns to leave, and for a moment Simon’s tempted to let him. He doesn’t want to get in the middle of decisions that aren’t his to make, but at the same time, Jace is Simon’s friend. With any luck, a soon-to-be brother-in-law. And Simon cares about him too much to let him walk away without saying whatever he came here to say no matter how annoyed Simon is.

“Wait,” Simon stops Jace just before the doorway. “What did you want to talk about?”

Jace takes a few extra moments of hesitant contemplation, and just when Simon’s convinced that he was too much of a dick and Jace is going to leave anyway, Jace finally turns back around to step into the apartment properly.

“You were a mundane before,” Jace says.

“Very observant of you,” Simon says, then bites down on his lower lip. “Sorry, sorry. Continue.”

Simon moves to situate himself on the sofa since standing only makes him want to pace back and forth. Jace doesn’t sit next to him but takes a seat on one of the cheap chairs around the dining table.

“You’re the only one who really knows anything about living that life for any extended period of time… so I was hoping you might have some perspective, you know, to help shift from one world to the other.”

Simon frowns slightly - Jace was right, it does sound insensitive to ask after Simon’s little outburst about wishing it could be him - but Simon reminds himself that he asked Jace to say it anyway so he can’t really hold it against him.

“Perspective?” Simon repeats. “You want me to… what, give you a crash course in being a mundane?”

Jace shrugs. “You’ve lived a longer life without the Shadow World as you have with it. I imagine it’s one of those things I think I’m ready for but don’t know the half of it… maybe there are some things you can think of that I wouldn’t consider on my own.”

Yeah, Jace is right, this is probably a terrible idea. But they’re here now, and Simon does have some wisdom to impart now that he’s actually thinking about it.

“You’re going to have to stop dramatically jumping off of buildings. That’ll definitely break, like, all of the bones in your body if you try it as a mundane,” Simon points out.

“Very funny,” Jace says, rolling his eyes.

“No, I’m serious. I’ve been a vampire for how long now? A year and a half? I still forget about my speed or my strength sometimes. You’re going to instinctively want to do things when your runes are gone, and it’s going to be way harder than you think to stop,” Simon elaborates.

Jace’s annoyed expression softens and he nods in understanding, realizing this is Simon actually trying to help and not just sarcastically pushing him away.

“Alright. Fighting my instincts, noted. What else?” Jace leans forward in his seat, not actually taking literal notes but definitely paying attention.

They spend the better part of the day going over little things, like how people will expect he went to school and good resources for a crash-course in basic mundane grade school knowledge, or jobs he could get without much of an issue as long as he can get his hands on a forged GED and a fake ID. A few times Simon’s left to wonder if Maryse or Luke wouldn’t be better people to talk to about this, being proper adult-adults and all, but it’s nice to have his opinion valued. It isn’t often his mundane background is considered a positive thing.

“Thanks, Si,” Jace says after he’s run out of questions… for now, at least. They went over more than enough for Jace to wrap his head around for a few days, even though Simon’s sure if they just waited another half an hour he could come up with half a dozen more talking points.

“Yeah, you’re welcome. Look, I’m sorry that I was a bit hard on you at the start… I know this isn’t easy for you. And if there’s anything I can do just say the word, okay man?” Simon figures it’s the least he could offer after nearly biting Jace’s head off earlier.

Jace gives Simon a reassuring smile, and Simon can’t help but feel like that should be the other way around.

“I’m just glad you didn’t kick me out,” Jace admits. “I will absolutely abuse the chance to pick your brain and you’re probably going to regret offering to help.”

Simon laughs. He might, but that’s a risk he’s willing to take. For now, it’s enough to know that what little help he can offer is being put to good use. For now, it’s enough to know that Clary and Jace will have each other again, and his best friend will have the happiness she deserves.

[julemmaes]

Angel Like You - October 4th

 Fenrys Moonbeam x Asterin Blackbeak

Prompt requested by itsjustme on Ao3: “Could you please do a Fenrys and Asterin one with lots of fluff? <3″

A/N: I LOOVE THEM SO FUCKING MUCH, IF YOU EVER WROTE SOMETHING ABOUT THESE TWO, DM ME THE LINKS TO YOUR FICS CAUSE I LOVE YOU ALREADY

Word count: 2,378

It had been Asterin's birthday for more than eighteen hours and she still hadn't been able to see her boyfriend and finally celebrate with him her drinking age - not that Asterin hadn't had a drink before today, of course, but she imagined it would be nice to do it without having to use her fake ID.

During her lunch break she had walked into the university cafeteria like every other day, staring at her phone waiting for Fenrys to call. She had reached the food counter and started ordering distractedly, with music playing loudly in her ears without losing sight of the screen. That's why she hadn't noticed the balloons falling from the ceiling as soon as she walked through the door. And that's why she hadn't seen her entire group of friends waiting for her at their usual table while they shouted their best wishes.

Manon had gotten irritated and had ripped the headphones out of her ears, making her jump out of fear. Her annoyance hadn't lasted long when Asterin turned around and finally saw what they had put on to make her day just a little more special.

All the Thirteen - their dance group - and Dorian were present, plus a few friends from her classes. None of the guys were there, all away in one of the nearby cities for one of the most important games of the season, and along with them their girlfriends. Aelin, Elide and Lysandra were also part of the cheerleading team and could not afford to miss an important event. Asterin had made a scene when she found out she had an exam on the same exact day. Fenrys had reassured her that there were no problems and that her education was more important than a stupid game of his.

Although she had had fun for that hour with her friends, she missed Fenrys more than usual. And the feeling had worsened when he had sent her a message that he could not call her and that they had lost the game, because Lorcan had been hurt and their team's defense had shrunk dramatically. She immediately replied that she was sorry and that she would have liked to do something to make him feel better. He had seen the text and still hadn't answered, probably busy getting his ass kicked by coach Gavriel.

Now, at seven o'clock in the evening, she was starving to death and desperately wanted to call Fenrys, hear his voice, feel that he had blanched the anger and disappointment that followed a defeat.

She climbed the steps of her small house and saw the kitchen light on and lingered in her footsteps.

It was not possible that someone had broken into her house.

Before she became even more alarmed than she should have been, she approached the window and peered into the house.

"Fen!" she screamed excitedly. She had already snapped towards the entrance and was struggling against the lock, but she could still hear the boy's frightened scream. She laughed.

When she opened the door, she immediately saw Fenrys on the kitchen door with one hand on his chest and his eyes wide open. Asterin didn't even take his backpack off his shoulders before he jumped on his boyfriend.

Fenrys grabbed her, clutching her and resting his head on her shoulder, kissing her neck, "Happy birthday, my love," he whispered to her. They parted enough so that she could look at his face and she laughed, cupping his cheeks. "I missed you so much," he continued, brushing his lips against hers. He took two steps back, leaning against the table for more support.

Asterin smiled and then pushed herself against him, deepening the kiss. Fenrys sighed through the nose, squeezing her hips. He put her down slowly, while they were still kissing and when he pulled the backpack off her shoulders, Asterin also took off her jacket, immediately clutching onto him again, not wanting to be too far away.

Reluctantly, Fenrys pulled away slightly, their noses were still touching each other, "I think I should go back to cooking".

Asterin complained, but let him go anyway, pouting amusedly. Fenrys chuckled and turned towards the stove, where four pots and pans smelled deliciously inviting.

"Where did you find all the food?" she asked, curious, looking at the ingredients scattered on the table. A bottle of tomato puree, some potato skins, half a zucchini and some carrots.

Fenrys looked over his shoulder, "I stopped by the supermarket before I came here," he explained, "I couldn't go home with Con, he took it way worse than I did and I needed to distract myself, not talk about all the mistakes I made on the field today." he looked away when Asterin's expression became serious. She had forgotten the game in the euphoria of the moment.

She approached him, circling his hips from behind and resting her cheek between his shoulder blades. She felt Fenrys hand resting on hers, "I'm so sorry." she kissed him on the neck, tiptoeing, "You shouldn't have done all that. I could have prepared something for us." she murmured against his sweatshirt. She only realized at that moment that he was wearing a chef's apron. She snickered.

"I told you, I wanted to get distracted and cooking relaxes me," he repeated.

Asterin nodded slightly, "I know, I know." she peered over his shoulder to see what he was making, "What is that?"

Fenrys smiled at her, turning the ladle in one of the open pans and taking some of what was supposed to be vegetables and handing it to her, "Chicken and vegetables," he confirmed. Asterin tasted it directly from his hand and closed her eyes while moaning as good as it was. If she had tried to make that dish it surely would have sucked, the chicken would have come out dry and the vegetables would have had no taste at all. Instead the food Fenrys prepared for her was always so tasty and juicy and Asterin always felt how much love the boy poured into it.

"God," she moaned again, "This world doesn't deserve an angel like you."

Fenrys was looking at her with his mouth slightly open and his eyes focused on her lips. He cleared his voice and went back to stirring something else. Asterin pointed at him, "What about that?"

"That's the dressing for our pasta. I bought spaghetti." he smiled at her and caressed her cheek, moving a lock of hair. Spaghetti was definitely her favorite kind of pasta.

"I love you so fucking much." she mumbled to him. Fenrys giggled, with his stupid little grin on his lips, "Me too."

Asterin started cleaning the table, throwing out the scraps and setting the table for the two of them. When Fenrys noticed he whined, "I had to clean it up." he had a guilty look on his face, almost as if he was sorry she was doing him a favor.

The girl watched him closely, "I'm just helping you, Fen."

"Yes, I know, but-" he stopped, cutting the sentence.

Asterin looked him in the eyes and when he looked away, flexing his jaw, she asked, "What is it?"

He remained silent for a while and Asterin gave him time to decide what to say. She knew that he didn't have to push him and he knew that Fenrys had trouble talking about the things that were bothering him, unlike her.

"It's just that I screwed up on the field today. A fuckup that could have been avoided if I had done my job and I need to make it up somehow and treat you like a queen for tonight wouldn't solve everything, but it could at least improve this fucking bad mood of mine." he put his hand in his hair, before he crossed his arms on his chest and turned towards her.

Asterin didn't look at him, continuing to cut the loaf of bread he had bought, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Fenrys grunted, "It's just that I'm sure if I told you what happened, you'd tell me some bullshit of yours to make me feel better and I know I just said the opposite, but I think I deserve to feel like shit."

This time she gave him a stern look, "Why don't you let me judge whether you deserve to feel like shit or not?"

He snorted, "Alright," he mumbled. He said nothing and continued to cook while frowning for a few minutes. Asterin sat down, nibbling on carrots and staring at the muscles in his back that tightened every time he moved. She scowled, "Does it have something to do with Lorcan?"

Fenrys stiffened, "Yes," he simply replied.

"You know, if you don't tell me what happened, I can't just guess?" she asked him jokingly.

He turned towards her, turning off the stove and putting the pan with the chicken in the middle of the table. Asterin was used to seeing him cooking, being that he was practically at her place every night, but it was always nice to see him being the man of the house and making these little gestures for her. Even when his day had been shitty.

He turned to the stove once again, took the pot of pasta and drained it, "I told you he was hurt, didn't I?" she nodded, assenting, "A guy from Velaris broke his anterior cruciate ligament. He jumped on his knee with both feet."

Asterin swallowed noisily, bringing one hand to her mouth. She hadn't realized it was so bad. With such damage he couldn't play for the rest of the season. All this if he did well and if the doctors were able to fix it.

"Fen-" he ignored her, pouring the seasoning on the pasta and starting to serve it.

"It was my fault." he didn't look her in the face, but she had never seen him so distressed in her life. "I saw the piece of shit go up against him and he was charging him like a..." he stopped, shaking his head, "You don't charge another player like that, he looked like a fucking bull trying to kill the matador, I don't know." he sat down after serving both of them. He covered his eyes with his hands, "I should have called him. Warning him that he was about to be tackled."

Asterin was quite upset, she wanted to call Elide, but would have thought about it later. Now she had to concentrate on Fenrys.

"Honey listen to me, these things always happen in football. It's not your fault," she said, extending one hand on the table and taking his hand.

He shook his head, tightening his shoulders, "No, it's different this time." he explained, looking at her finally, "After the game one of his teammates came, the captain, and apologized." he said shocked, "There is no apology in football, Rin. It's not something you do."

Asterin had seen enough games in her life to know that the players were ruthless beasts and that the feeling of belonging to your team was so strong that you felt the need to protect it with your life. Beating someone on the other team was not as strange as it could be considered in other less violent sports. Bullshit, in her opinion.

"They benched him and probably suspended him," continued Fenrys. Asterin understood that he was talking about the player of the other team. She nodded, gritting her teeth.

"You don't think Lorcan blames you, do you?" she asked cautiously, starting to eat when he gestured for her to taste the food. The first bite of pasta was ecstatic. If they weren't in the middle of such a serious conversation she would have praised him and kissed him until they ran out of oxygen.

Fenrys moved the pasta into the dish, "No. I have already spoken to him. Elide also came to me after we left him at the hospital to assure me that it wasn't my fault." Asterin promised herself to text her later.

"Listen," she began, Fenrys looked at her exasperatedly, "Listen to me," she said in a harder tone, "these things cannot be avoided. It wasn't your fault and Lorcan doesn't think it is. I'm sure you'll do everything you can to help him on this path and I'm sure he'll appreciate every little gesture you make, even if he won't show it." they both grinned, knowing full well that Lorcan would never show an ounce of feeling for anyone other than Elide.

When Fenrys did not answer immediately, continuing to eat in silence, Asterin squeezed his fingers still wrapped around hers, "I'm sorry, however, that this happened."

He looked at her, his expression pained, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. It's your birthday and now you're sad."

Asterin snorted, "Stupid, I don't care if it's my birthday. If you're feeling bad, I want to talk about it and make you feel better."

His eyes softened a little, then he whispered, "I love you, very much." Fenrys seemed to remember something important at that moment, "I've brought you presents," he announced as he stood up. Asterin stiffened, leaning forward to his now empty place, confused, "Gifts? S meaning, more than one?"

The boy returned with four packages in his hand, all poorly wrapped. He had a half smile on his face and Asterin would have been satisfied with that little bit of happiness for today.

She thanked him silently when he put them in her lap, leaving a soft kiss on her lips. She opened them one by one and when she took the biggest one, she realized it was fluffy. She opened it curious to find out which sweatshirt of his he had given her, but it was not a sweatshirt. It was a rectangular pillow with a picture of his ass printed on it. They laughed until they cried and then moved into the living room after finishing dinner.

They spent the rest of the evening talking and kissing and when it got late they went to bed, where Fenrys seemed to forget all about Lorcan and the lost game, while he showed her exactly just how much he loved her.

tog tag list (if you want to be removed/added just dm or send me an ask)

@tottenhamboys20 @maastrash @ireallyshouldsleeprn​

[leedongwook]

Buddie lifeguard AU 🌸 Part 5

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4

Read on Ao3

“Hey Buck, how’s the pretty head?“

“Hey Buck, your head ok?“

“Hey Buck.“

Eddie deletes the message and tries again. He’s trying to find the right words to text Buck for ten minutes now but he can’t form a good sentence. He scratches at his head and sighs.

“Hi Buck, you up for a drink?“

Eddie stares at his phone again. Would he even be up for a drink? What if his head was more hurt than he thought. He’d called the hospital in the evening to check if Buck was still there, but the annoyed nurse on the phone didn’t give him any informations. Which Eddie knows is rigth, since he’s not a relative of Buck. He’s been lying awake all night though, thinking about texting Buck or not.

He’s still worried in the morning and decides to finally send Buck a quick message. The words just don’t want to come to him.

Eddies sighs again and deletes the message. Just when he wants to put his phone away, it rings and he almost drops it on the floor. Eddie stares at his phone in confusion and blinks at the caller ID showing up.

It’s Buck.

How does he have his number? Eddie doesn’t remember giving it to him. Eddies hands start to sweat and he giggles weirdly. He shakes his head at himself in annoyance. Get a grip Eddie and answer the call.

Just when his finger hovers over the caller button, the sounds stops. It goes to voice mail. Eddie curses and throws himself back on the couch. He really wants to talk to Buck. He doesn’t know why it’s so hard for him or actually he does know. He really likes Buck and he doesn’t want to ruin things with him.

The phone starts ringing again and Eddie lunges forward to grab his phone answering it immediately.

“Buck, hey how are you? Everything ok? How do you have my number?“

Eddie squeezes his eyes shut when he only hears Bucks breathing on the other side. How awkward was that.

“Hello to you too, Eddie.“

Eddie hears Buck laugh and his heart beats against his ribcage way too fast.

“Oh, oh yeah hi. Erm …“

“You ok over there, Eddie?“

Eddie coughs awkwardly and rubs his fingers along his thighs. God, he’s being weird and Buck’s gonna hang up on him any second.

“I’m … I’m good … yeah thanks.“

“Good. I asked Maddie to ask Chim for your number because I wanted to say thanks for helping me yesterday. I guess, I was a bit of a mess. Sorry.“

Eddie imagines Buck sitting on his couch in his appartment, alone, head bowed, sad eyes, thinking he’s been a burden to Eddie because he was involved in the accident. Eddie suddenly can‘t bare the thought of Buck being sad. He takes a deep breath and his voice comes out soft and calm.

“Hey, no it’s ok Buck, I am glad I was there to help you. You been a hero helping everyone else, even though you were hurt. How’s the head by the way, what did the doctor say?“

He hears Buck sigh on the other end.

“Slight concussion. I’ve got a hard head. I’m just annoyed that I can’t work for the rest of the week.“

Eddie chuckles. Of course he can’t sit still and rest. Buck always wants to be on the move, always wants to help.

“Right back into action, huh.“

Buck laughs and he sounds happier.

“Yeah you know me, I always need stuff to do. That’s why I was thinking if you and Chris might wanna come around on the weekend for a beach day? Hang out and stuff.“

For the first time Eddie thinks he can hear Buck being a bit insecure and it’s actually kinda cute. Eddies heart jumps a bit because he’d hang out with Buck every day, if he’s honest.

“Erm yeah I guess. I think Chris would love to see you again.“

And me too thinks Eddie but doesn’t say it out loud.

“Yeah that’s cool. Maybe we can jump on a surfboard or something. Just yeah, cool.“

“Sounds like a date then, eh I mean yeah we can do that, yes. Text me where and when, but we’re free the whole weekend, so whenever you want.“

“Cool. Then see you on the weekend Eddie. And thanks again.“

“Don’t mention it, someone has to lookt out for that pretty head of yours.“

Eddie bites at his lip when he finishes his sentence but he’s only getting Buck laugh as a reply. He hangs up and throws himself back at the couch, covering his eyes with his arms. Why is he always so awkward around Buck. That guy really had a number on him huh.

--------------------- 

“Daaaadd, are you coming.“

Christopher‘s already standing at the door waiting for Eddie to go. He‘s checking his beach bag again, just in case, so he doesn‘t forget anything. He’s not mentionioning the four times he looked in the mirror to check that his hairs sits right. Chimne would make fun of him if he was here.

“Yeah buddy, I‘m coming.“

His son was all hyped up and excited when he told him that they’re gonna hang out with Buck on the beach on the weekend. He counted the days and Eddie has to admit he did so too.

He walks out oft he bathroom and grabs his bag. One last check on his hair again and then he’s opening the door for Chris to walk outside.

“Ready superman?“

Chris nods and smiles happily at his father. The drive over to the beach doesn’t take long and when Eddie parks the car in the carpark, he sees Buck waiting at the beach house. He quickly helps his sound oft he car and they walk over to where Buck is waiting.

As soon as Buck sees the two of them he runs over and grabs Chris underneath his arms and throws him around. Chris giggles and holds tight at Bucks arms.

“Hey kiddo, I missed you.“

Bucks eyes are wide and shine bright, he’s got a huge grin on his face. Eddie notices the bandaid on his head though and his cheek bone looks a bit swollen. Probably from where he hit his head on the steering wheel.

When Buck puts his son down again, the little boy frowns and point his finger to Bucks head.

“Are you ok Buck, you got a bandaid there?“

Buck kneels down in front of the kid.

“Don’t worry,  just a little bump, my heads tough.“

He smiles again and bumps his son on the nose, who immediately lights up again. They both turn around and look over to where Eddie’s standing with the bag.

“Hi Eddie, nice to see you.“

Buck looks good with his swim shorts and the white shirt, he’s wearing. It’s sitting thight around his torso and Eddie can see his abs shining through. He blushes a bit and shakes himself to focus back on Buck.

“Hi Buck, thank you for inviting us.“

“You need help with your stuff?“

Buck points at Eddies bag.

“No, no I’m fine, you go ahead.“

Buck nods and crouches down in front of Chris again.

“Hop my little man, lets see if we’re faster than your daddy.“

Chris grins and carefuly climbs on Bucks back. Buck takes his crutches and starts running.

The boy is jumping up and down on Bucks back and Eddie can her his happy screams.

“Last one‘s the looser.“

Eddie chuckles and follows Buck and his son over to the beach.

When he reaches the water he sees Buck running along the beach jumping up when the water hits his feet. His son‘s still clinging onto his back and every time he jumps, he laughs loudly.

Christopher looks up and sees him standing there, his smile even bigger now.

“We won daddy, we won.”

Buck stops and walks over to where Eddie‘s standing in the sand.

“Your dad’s slower than a turtle isn’t he.”

Buck chuckles and brushes against Eddies shoulder with his hand.

Eddie looks at his shoulder where Buck just touched him and then back to Buck. The other man’s smiling brightly at him. Tiny water droplets are running down his cheeks, over his delicate jawline and down his throat and disppear under his shirt. Eddie catches a glimps of a tiny birthmark sitting there.

His son tugging at his shorts starles him and he looks at him.

“Dad, can I try some surfing, please, please.”

Eddie looks over to where the surfboards are lying in the sand.

“I’ll hold him the whole time Eddie. He’ll be safe. I promise.”

Buck doesn’t have to promise him. He knows he’ll keep his son safe. Chris walks in front of him and looks at him with his best puppy eyes.

“Please dad, please.”

Buck stands himself behind his son and gives him his best happy smile.

“Ah, I hate you two.”

Chris claps his hands together in joy.

“Oh, you love us, dad.”

Eddie tousles through his sons hair and presses a kiss on his forehead.

“Yeah, yeah I do.”

Buck winks at Eddie before he walks over to get the surfobards and a life vest for Christopher. Eddie puts the towels in the sand and sits himself down to keep an eye on his son and Buck.

Buck carefully puts the life vest on Chris, always talking to him. He must have made a joke because his son holds his tummy and can‘t stop laughing. Buck takes his hand and helps him going over to the water. He puts the surfboard in the water and lifts Christopher on it. He sits himself behind the kid and slowly paddles away, into the small waves at the shore.

His son holdss his hands into the water. He looks so happy and excited and it warms Eddies heart. Buck somehow always senses what the kid needs or wants. It’s beautiful to watch the two of them togehter. His son‘s grown to trust Buck really fast but Eddies doesn‘t blame him because he himself has that feeling of calmness and saftey when he’s around Buck.

When he looks back at the water he sees Buck lift his son onto the surfboard now so he‘s standning on it.

His son waves at him, eyes bright.

“Look daddy, look I’m a surfer.”

Eddie gets up from where he’s sitting, to have a better view at them.

“Yes, you are my little super man, you are. You’re doing awesome.”

Buck lets go of Christophers hands and the last wave takes the kid onto to beach. The board stops abruptly, but Buck‘s already there catching the boy, before he falls over. He lifts him up again and Chris climbs on his back. They both walk over to Eddie.

“This was amazing bud, you did so well.”

Chris is still super hyper and he can’t stop smiling.

“Did I look like a real surfer?

Eddie takes him into a hug and rubs at his back.

“You did buddie, you did.”

He lets go of Chris and hands him a bottle of water.

“Thanks Buck, this was awesome.”

Buck nods.

“No problem. He’s a natural. You wanna have a go, too?”

Eddies puts his hands in the air and waves around.

“What me? No I don’t think…”

“Oh yes daddy, I wanna see you surf.”

Eddie nervously rubs at his arms.

“I don’t think I can.”

“Buck can help you, can’t you Buck?”

Buck taps on Chris shoulder gently.

“Course I can, If your dad wants to try?”

Buck looks at him with questioning eyes.

“You wanna try?”

“Ok, ok i’ll give it try.”

Chris applauds him and sits down on the towel. Both men walk over to the surfboards and Buck takes his shirt off and throws it in the sand.

Eddie can’t help and look at him. He’s got goosebump on his skin, probably from the cold water earlier.  A tiny droplet runs down his chest, all the way down to his navel. Eddie takes in a harsh breath when he can see a blue bruise running from his shoulder square over his chest, down to his abdomen.

Buck notices where Eddies looking at.

“Seatbealt. Looks worse than it is, doesnt even hurt anymore.”

Eddie wants to run his finger along the bruise, wants to check if there’s more damage. Broken ribs or anything.

“Eddie I’m fine.”

Bucks voice getting louder snaps him out of his trance.

“Good, that’s good. I’m glad.”

Suddenly Bucks hand appears in front of his face.

“Get on the surfboard, Diaz.”

Buck smiles and Eddie thinks the blue of the ocean makes his eyes look even bluer and more magical.

He takes the other mans hand and lets himself be helped on the board. His first surfing attempts are awkward and Eddie thinks he’s absolute awful in doing this. Bucks smiles and the other mans support makes him want to try again.

Suddenly there’s a wave crashing right in front of them and the movement of the water throws Eddie forward and off the surfboard. Buck lunges forward to stop Eddies fall but his foot gets stuck under the board and he falls backwards into the sand, followed by Eddie, who lands on top of him. Eddie opens his eyes and looks at Buck the other man’s eyes are wide and so so blue, it’s like the ocean is mirroring it‘s color in them. Eddie feels the water washing over his legs. His legs which are resting inbetween Bucks. He can feel Bucks hip move under him, his abs being strained against the weight on top of him and Eddie remembers the bruise on the other man’s chest. Bucks arms lie rigth and left, next to his body. Eddie’s arms are in the sand right next to Bucks head. The other man looks at him with a smile. His lips are pink, so pink and Eddie wishes he’d know how they taste. There’s those tiny freckles around his nose and Eddie thinks Buck has the prettiest eyelashes he’s ever seen. Tiny water drops are clinging onto them and sparkle in the sun. He can see another scar on his forehead probably from work. It’s all healed and looks white and faint against his skin. Eddie slowly lifts his one hand and holds it against Bucks cheek. It’s like the other man’s skin is sparkling with the sea salt sitting on it. Buck is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. Eddie feels the other man move underneath him, his hips grinding against him. Buck licks at his lips and it’s driving Eddie insane.

“Eddie.“

Bucks voice is soft and barely a whisper. His chest feels tight and he just realizes now that they’re both topless and their skin touches the other. He can almost feel Bucks heartbeat against his. Buck moves his fingers to Eddies wrist holding it gently. He looks at him with bright eyes.

“Daddy, Buck are you two ok?”

Christopher appears next to the two men and rips them out of their little moment. Eddies tongue feels heavy though and he can’t get a word out,  instead he hears Buck answer. His voice making his chest vibrating against his.

“We’re good kid. The sand softened our fall. Guess your dad needs to practice a bit more.”

Buck laughs and Eddie can feel his stomach muscles move under him.

“Can you maybe, get up. You’re heavier than you look.”

Eddie blinks at Buck confused, still being mesmerized by the other man’s presence.

“Oh, yeah sorry. Thanks for cushioning my fall, I guess.”

“No, problem.”

Eddie carefully shuffles backwards and gets up. The holds his hand towards Buck and helps him get up.

They’re both wet and full of sand.

“What about we jump in the water a bit to get the sand off and then we’ll get some ice cream? How does that sound.“

Christophers takes his fathers hand and his other finds its way over to Bucks hand. Holding them both tight he pulls them over to the water. Eddie thinks this might be a bit too much for Buck,  but when he looks over to the other man he’s smiling and follows his sons lead. Eddie thinks it’s a nice picture. Buck being a part of this, being a part of their family.

Buck lets go of the boys hand and starts splashing water around and hits Eddie right in the face. Christopher screams and laughs loudly. They all start to splash water around till they’re all wet and tired and their stomachs hurt from all the laughing and they decided to call it a day and head home in a bit.

Eddie packing the bags already when Buck comes back with three big ice cream cups. They’d built a sandcastle earlier and Chris is sitting next to it. Buck hands the ice cream to Chris, who excitingly licks at it. 

The other man then walks over to where Eddies packing their stuff togehter and motions for him to sit down and take the ice cream. Buck sits himself down next to Eddie. Chris is couple of meters in front of them hungrily licking at his icream and watching the ocean.

Eddie gently bumps his leg against Bucks.

“Thank you Buck. You made this one really happy.”

Buck turns his head over to Eddie.

“Just this one?” He points over to Chris and then puts his hand on Eddies thigh.

“Or this one aswell?”

Eddie swallows hard. Buck’s incredibly close to him now, he can see the tiny sand grains sitting on his skin. He blushes and nervously licks at his ice cream.

“Eddie.”

He looks back at Buck and he’s so close. His eyes are so blue. Buck licks at his lips and Eddie wants to kiss him so badly.

He puts his hand over Bucks, that is still resting on his thigh.

“Yeah, this one too.”

“Yeah?”

Christopher yelling for them, interrupts them again and both men get up to bring the bags over to the car. Buck carefully buckles Chris into the car and says his goodbyes.

“Thanks again, Buck.”

“No problem, it was a great day. Your kid is great.”

Buck leans forward and before Eddie can react, the other mans lips connect with his cheek. They’re soft and warm and Buck smells like sand and sea water. 

“See you, Eds.”

Buck slowly moves his face away and winks at him one more time before he walks over to his own truck. Eddie gently taps at his cheek where moments before Bucks lips had been resting. 

He feels like he’s in a kind of trance when he watches Buck drive away and he thinks he might be in love. 

In love with Buck.

[justwritethatdown]

High school au set somewhere around 2009 - it’s gonna be a multichapter but I don’t have a title for it yet… Avril Lavigne is gonna be the soundtrack for this 💜

Beca is an introverted fifteen years old who loves music and is about to start high school. Chloe is The Popular Girl™ and they meet because their parents are friends. There’s a lot of Jesse but Bechloe is gonna be endgame (obviously) It’s supposed to be a slow burn but i’m an impatient idiot so we’ll see about that…

Words Count: 2K

Rating: T

Read it on AO3 or under the cut ↓ 

Please tell me what is taking place (‘cause I can’t seem to find a trace)

“Bec, can you please be nice tonight? It would mean a lot to Sheila and me" repeated her father for the millionth time. Beca just sighed heavily at that and crossed her arms around her chest. They’ve talked about that ad nauseam, there was no way for her to get out of this stupid dinner at Sheila’s friends.

Sheila – a.k.a. the step monster – was the most irritating being on the planet. Beca was sure she only acted nice to her to make a show for her father and actually hated Beca just as much as Beca hated her.

“Oh come on sweetie, they have a daughter your age, I’m sure you’ll become very fast friends” she promised in that annoying high pitched tone she had “I don’t want to make any friends” Beca grumbled and could swear she heard Sheila whisper something to her father about her being weird and having no friends, but decided to ignore that.

She didn’t need new friends, she had Amy and that was enough – more than enough sometimes – Amy was a lot, mostly to someone as introverted as Beca, her loudness and recklessness were pretty hard to handle, but they knew each other since forever and Amy stood by Beca’s side during her parents’ divorce, which meant the world to Beca.

“Come on kiddo, I’m sure you’ll like her. She goes to Barden high, so you can ask her advices for next year" said her father turning in his seat after parking the car “so she’s older than me!” stated Beca “oh for God’s sake what’s one year, specially at your age?” gasped Sheila, her nice facade starting to crack at Beca’s brattyness “never mind" spat out Beca under her breath getting out of the car.

Her father stopped her when he saw she was about to put her big headphones over her ears “don’t make me take these away from you" he warned her with a glare, so she just snorted and left them hanging around her neck.

__

Beca suffered immensely all through dinner, Chloe – the girl she was supposed to become best friends with to please Sheila – was hideous, she barely introduced herself without stopping pushing the buttons on her Blackberry, obviously more interested in her text than in Beca. Her parents were two pompous idiots – just how Beca imagined Sheila’s friends would be.

As soon as they finished eating, Chloe left the table without even excusing herself, focusing on her phone again.

“Chloe why don’t you show Becky your room, honey?” encouraged Chloe’s mother “sure" answered the redhead without any kind of emotion and left.

Beca gulped, she didn’t know what to do – was she supposed to just follow her? Did she had to wait there for Chloe to come back and invite her to her room? – it was clear that Chloe didn’t want her in her room.

“Beca? Go" pushed her Sheila and the girl found herself following Chloe’s path, she thought she heard someone whisper “that kid is so weird" but she shook it off, too focused on how weird she felt to intrude into a stranger’s room like that.

It turned out that Chloe didn’t mind her intrusion – one could say she didn’t even notice it, if not for the short nod she gave Beca along with a “this is it" before sitting in front of her computer and spending the night chatting on MSN.

After standing awkwardly in Chloe’s room for some moments, Beca decided to sit down on a pink fluffy bean bag sofa and finally put her headphones on. She spent the night with her iPod Classic, as she did most of the times.

Beca had the time to properly look at Chloe, to study her – something she liked to do with people.

The sixteen year old was definitely a popular girl in school – definitely someone Beca would have never wanted to be friends with – she seemed to be coming straight out of Mean Girls – that stupid Lindsey Lohan high school movie Amy made her watch once.

A shiver run down Beca’s spine. She didn’t love the idea of starting high school at all, with all those jocks and beautiful girls who thought they were better than anyone else – Beca could totally see Chloe being one of them.

Chloe was undeniably attractive, the computer light flashing on her face highlighted the perfect traits of her face and the sharp angle of her jawline, her red hair was coming down in large soft waves and her soft blue eyes made her look like a Disney princess. Her slender fingers flew quickly over the keyboard of her computer while she replied to the dozens of beeping notifications blowing up on her screen. Beca had to look away, feeling a weird grasp at her stomach she’d never felt before.

__

To Beca’s displeasure these stupid dinner dates became a thing, and she was forced to see that girl at least a couple of days per month, even if Chloe seemed to have the power to defect those events, since she never showed up when the dinners were at Beca’s father’s.

Beca wasn’t sorry about that, she was just upset she didn’t have the same luxury.

Chloe smiled at her once, greeting her with a soft “hi" when the brunette went to her house to yet another dinner, and Beca kept thinking about how warm that made her feel for a long time – because it caught her off guard obviously, she wasn’t expecting that, it’s not like she stopped thinking about how beautiful Chloe looked when she genuinely smiled or why she smiled at her anyway.

__

Months passed and it came the time for Beca to start high school. Amy was out of her mind excited about that and it only made Beca more nervous.

Her first day – the first month even – could have been described with one word, better yet a name: Jesse.

Jesse was in most of her classes and for some reason he was obsessed with her. He managed to learn more about her in only the first week than most people have ever tried to know in her life – he asked so many questions.

At first Beca was annoyed by him and tried to avoid the guy every time she spotted his stupid face in the hallway or at the cafeteria, but it was pointless because Jesse always managed to find her. Amy even started to tease her about her new boyfriend and Beca hated it.

She started to get used to his intrusive presence somewhere during week two, when he casually mentioned a concert of a Sum41 cover band he was sure she would have liked.

It opened up a crack in the big wall she spent so long building up – obviously what Jesse was trying to do since day one – but she didn’t push him away like she would have done with any other intruder trying to tear her defences apart, she instead decided to show him something she considered super intimate and private, something she had never shown to anyone before, she decided to show him one of her playlists.

She even agreed to go with him to the concert – telling herself she really wanted to see the band and couldn’t go without the fake ID Jesse had promised her.

Thinking about it, it didn’t take a genius to understand Beca would have liked such topic. After all, the girl always wore her headphones and from her style – heavy dark eyeliner, pierced ears, studded bracelet and dark boots – it wasn’t that hard to guess her musical tastes either.

“I knew you liked Avril Lavigne” was his first reaction scrolling through the titles in her iPod, Beca blushed at that; there were many other artists on there, such as Linkin Park, Green Day, Evanescence, Blink182… and he decided to point out the one that meant more to her.

“I love her, I think she’s great" he added pressing play on Sk8er Boi “you kinda remind me of her" he shouted over the sound filling his ears. Beca’s eyes widened for a moment and she looked around the schoolyard to check if he had drawn any attention towards them, she still couldn’t believe she was letting him use her headphones.

__

“It’s Be c a, with one c" she repeated to the guy who was paying very little attention to her anyway – Luke apparently.

“All right guys, it’s gonna be 50 bucks each and it’ll take a couple of days” he said looking at them with a charming smile “to pay now" he clarified clearing his throat and Jesse rushed to pay him “thanks Johnny. I’ll reach out to you when I got them" he said before leaving.

“It’s Jesse…” sighed Jesse when Luke already had left.

“Dude, I’m giving you the money first thing tomorrow, don’t think I’m letting you pay for my ID" “I could’ve never thought something like that" he joked smiling at her.

Okay so maybe Jesse became her friend and maybe Beca liked that – not that she would admit it.

__

After a month Beca thought she was starting to get used to the whole high school thing and she had to admit it wasn’t as bad as she thought, classes were boring and had nothing useful to form her regarding what she really wanted to do in life, but at least she had Amy and Jesse to lighten her mood.

The brunette was walking down the hallway, headphones on as usual, when she saw Chloe. Beca’s breath caught in her lungs at the sight of the redhead leaned against her locker animatedly chatting with a group of friends. She looked so different from the girl she was used to see at dinners; she looked radiant, like a ray of sunshine. Beca could tell all her friends were hypnotized by her energy and enthusiasm.

The sudden collision with a guy running in her opposite direction brought her back to reality “Dude! What the fuck?“ she hissed, but the guy didn’t bother stopping to check on her, so Beca shook her head and walked to her classroom. She didn’t notice Chloe looking at her.

From that moment Beca’s high school experience became a little different, she was always looking out for any signs of Chloe, she turned her head at any glimpse of red hair around a corner or every time she heard a particular kind of giggle – yes, she stopped wearing headphones in the hallways just to hear that – she’d even learned the faces of those she believed to be Chloe’s best friends and, obviously, her boyfriend – Tom, or something.

During the course of the first semester there had been almost zero dinners and her father told her she didn’t have to attend them because he was sure she was busy with homework, so the only occasions she had to see Chloe were those when she ran into her at school – not that she cared – they never interact and Beca understood, Chloe was a popular girl and with that role you have to maintain the appearances, she couldn’t risk to be seen interacting with some freshman alt girl just because they ate at the same table a couple of times, it wasn’t like they were friends anyway.

__

Beca was nervous. She would have never expected to open her front door to find Chloe Beale standing in front of her. She felt her ears heating up when the girl smiled at her “h-hi… you’re here too” she babbled hating herself immediately, but Sheila appearing behind her to greet the Beale family gave her enough time to disappear into the kitchen.

Now they were in Beca’s room after dinner. Chloe didn’t feel as awkward as Beca did entering her room all those months ago – or as awkward as she felt right now, for what is worth – she immediately made herself at home sitting on Beca’s bed, bounching on it a little while looking around.

Beca blushed at the amount of posters – mainly Avril posters – hanging on her walls. Her room was much darker than Chloe’s and she was sure the redhead must have thought she was a freak.

“I like your room, it’s pretty cool" “…you do?” asked Beca in shock “yes! And your bed is so much softer than mine" added Chloe lying down. Beca was silent for a while, her brain was filled with so many thoughts she couldn’t speak, she’s never been good with words anyway.

Beca gasped when she saw Chloe stretch to reach for the iPod and headphones resting on her bedside table but couldn’t stop her from taking them.

“What do you always listen to anyway?” asked Chloe sitting back up “beside Avril Lavigne” she added with a giggle that made Beca feel more attacked than she should have, the brunette moved to sit on her bed next to Chloe and took the device from her, holding it protectively against her chest “stuff… you wouldn’t like it" she scoffed “try me" said Chloe tilting her head, smile still in place.

Beca couldn’t find it in herself to say no.

They laid on her bed with her headphones placed between them, listening to Beca’s playlist until Chloe drifted off to sleep. Beca kept laying beside her, looking at the redhead sleep on her pillow and completely ignoring the weird feeling she had in the pit of her stomach that was starting to be something not unusual when it came to Chloe.

[slipping-through-my-fingertips]

betty

Part of my folklore series

Summary: Elliott has a gig Notes: the song used is a cover of betty sung by Cabeau

AO3

Kurt straightens Blaine’s purple bowtie.

“I’m excited to see Starchild perform.”

“He’s amazing live,” Kurt replies, “and it doesn’t hurt that Elliott’s getting us in for free.”

“Can we expect him to be in full costume?”

Kurt nods. “The girls are meeting us there but we’d better leave now so we aren’t late.”

Rachel and Santana meet them outside of the club. As usual, Rachel takes charge and tells the bouncer their names. He checks the list, their IDs, and eventually lets them in. Santana heads straight for the bar pulling Blaine along with her to help carry drinks. Meanwhile, Rachel and Kurt scout for a good table.

When they choose one off to the left side of the stage, Kurt takes a photo of their view to send to Elliott.

Betty, I won't make assumptions About why you switched your homeroom But, I think it's 'cause of me Betty, one time I was riding on my skateboard When I passed your house It's like I couldn't breathe

Elliott does come out on stage in full Starchild attire. Blaine’s already whispering to Kurt about the silver eyeliner he’s sporting.

  “Could I pull it off?”

  “No,” Kurt says.

  Blaine pouts and continues to stare at his boyfriend. If Kurt was sparing him a second glance, he’d notice the puffed out lips and wide eyes.

  Santana looks over at them. “Kurt, kiss your puppy before he starts whining.”

Kurt pecks Blaine’s lips and turns his attention to the main event of the night. Once the crowd turns their focus to him, Elliott introduces himself to the crowd and lays out what his set will consist of tonight.

  “Thought we’d start with a soon-to-be classic, ‘betty’ by Miss Taylor Swift with a little twist.”

  Then, he proceeds to blow Kurt’s mind with a pop-punk cover.

You heard the rumors from Inez You can't believe a word she says Most times, but this time, it was true The worst thing that I ever did Was what I did to you But if I just showed up at your party Would you have me? Would you want me? Would you tell me to go fuck myself Or lead me to the garden? In the garden, would you trust me If I told you it was just a summer thing? I'm only 17, I don't know anything But I know I miss you

Kurt’s eyes are darting between Elliott’s performance and Blaine’s reactions to it. Blaine’s body language and facial expressions are always so expressive. To say the least, he didn’t have a good poker face.

  Santana had proved that when she took fifty dollars from Blaine a month ago when it was her turn to pick the game for their weekly Game Night. Through, Blaine had argued Santana was oddly good at poker. So, perhaps it wasn’t just his inability to hide his feelings.

  “You have talented friends, babe,” Blaine comments.

  “And a talented boyfriend.”

  Blaine beams at him.

  “He’s amazing though, isn’t he?”

  “Now you know why I fought so hard to get him in the band,” Santana says. “Hum-belina over here was extremely jealous.”

  She looks pointedly at Kurt as she often did when she was daring someone to fight her. When Kurt makes no move to argue, knowing it’s never worth it when it comes to Santana, she takes a sip of her drink.

Betty, I know where it all went wrong Your favorite song was playing From the far side of the gym I was nowhere to be found I hate the crowds, you know that Plus, I saw you dance with him

Both of Blaine’s hands are resting in his lap. Kurt reaches under the table and grabs one of them. One easy way he’s learned to ward off unwanted memories is by touching Blaine. Whether it be little kisses, playing with his curls, a hug, being completely wrapped around him at bed when Blaine lets Kurt be the little spoon (they try to take turns each night), or something as simple as holding hands.

  It’s small acts that remind him that Blaine isn’t with anyone else, just Kurt. He’ll always be with Kurt.

  Every so often, Kurt will get these images of Blaine getting too close to Sebastian at Scandals or Blaine’s dance partner asking him out after their class, or one too many people ogling Blaine at the gym while he boxes.

  Without taking his eyes off of Elliott, Blaine adjusts their joined hands so his fingers are intertwined with Kurt’s.

You heard the rumors from Inez You can't believe a word she says Most times, but this time, it was true The worst thing that I ever did Was what I did to you But if I just showed up at your party Would you have me? Would you want me? Would you tell me to go fuck myself Or lead me to the garden? In the garden, would you trust me If I told you it was just a summer thing? I'm only 17, I don't know anything But I know I miss you

Blaine liked being in New York. He quickly grew used to being able to publicly display his relationship with Kurt. At school, no one cared if they kissed quickly after walking the other to class. In coffee shops, no one gave them the side-eye if their hands were clasped together on the table. Sometimes when they went out to eat, they’d sit on the same side of the booth Blaine fully pressed against Kurt’s side. No one on the waitstaff had made any snide comments.

  Being at McKinley for a whole year without Kurt had been hard. Blaine lived for their phone calls and nightly skype sessions. After the first month, they adjusted their need to communicate because Blaine had voiced his feelings to Kurt.

  That was Kurt’s condition when Blaine pushed him to leave without an acceptance into NYADA. They had to be completely honest with each other.

  “I don’t want to lose you,” he had said.

  Long-distance was hard but Burt didn’t mind when Blaine joined them for a New York Thanksgiving; in fact, Burt and Carole told Blaine to spend Christmas weekend at their house as well. Even Cooper was helping the boys spend time together. He invited (and paid for) Blaine and Kurt to fly to LA during their spring breaks. They mailed birthday presents to each other and had a virtual Valentine’s Day date. Anything that felt like they were actually spending time together, they did.

All that hard work meant Blaine was spending his first year in college with the love of his life at his side. He didn’t want to imagine how different things could’ve been for him if Kurt wasn’t in his life.