#if Taylor won’t respect speak now I WILL

[protectingswift]

long live that look on your face

[alotofpockets]

Rough shift | Caitlin Foord x Doctor!Reader

Where Caitlin comforts you after you lose one of your patients

Warnings: surgery, blood, cpr, patient death

Woso masterlist | Words: 2.5k

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“Good morning, how is my favourite little Champ doing?” You ask as you walk into Maya’s hospital room, followed by four of your interns. “I’m doing good.” She answered, but the smile didn’t fully reach her eyes, a tell tale that she wasn’t telling the truth.

You had met Maya last year, when you moved back home to work at the hospital you worked at before. It had been hard leaving London, moving away from your girlfriend and your friends, but there was a shortage of pediatric surgeons at your former place of employment, and they reached out to you. You talked about it a lot with your girlfriend, Caitlin, who was very understanding of why you felt like you needed to go.

The two of you have been doing long distance for the duration of it. While it was hard at times, the two of you made it work. You were already excited to see her later today, since she and the rest of the Matilda’s would be arriving for their training camp.

Maya had been one of your first patients when you got back. She had been in for many surgeries before you had met her, and have been there for plenty after. She was a tough kid, that besides all of the medical treatment remained positive. 

“Alright,” You continued, ignoring the fact that she lied about her well-being. She was here for another surgery because her bowels were acting up again. Sadly no one had been able to find a permanent solution for her illness yet, and repeated surgeries were only short term solutions. “Doctor Taylor, can you present, please?” 

He stepped up with Maya’s chart, and started presenting her case. “Thank you Doctor Taylor.” You said after he perfectly shared all the necessary information. To teach the interns, you asked them a couple questions about the surgery, and made sure that they answered in a kid friendly way to make Maya feel at ease.

“Do you have any more questions for us, Maya?” You turned to the young girl on the bed. “Will you be there when I wake up?” Her eyes filled with hope, “Of course, I always am.” And you had. After every surgery you had been with her in the recovery room, always making sure to give your patients that extra bit of comfort that they needed. 

While your interns walk out of the room, you take a moment to speak to Maya’s parents. While they were used to the surgeries by now, every parent was nervous about their child getting operated on. Surgery on the bowels was always risky.

“How long do you think this fix will last?” You felt for Maya and the family and were gutted for them that there still wasn't a permanent fix. “Our best hope is another few months.” They knew that was the answer they were going to get, yet they still hoped that this time would be different. 

When you walked back into the hall you overheard Taylor brag about being the best in their class, and not needing the hours on peds because he won’t be choosing that specialty anyways. You listen for a bit longer and cannot believe the words you hear coming out of his mouth.

“Why do we keep going with these hopeless cases? It’s not like she’s ever going to get better. We’re just delaying the inevitable.” His words hit you like a punch in the gut, but you quickly gather yourself and step forwards. “Doctor Taylor,” The sharpness of your voice quickly grabbed the attention from everyone around you. “With me, now. All of you.”

You didn’t say a word until you had all of them in an empty hospital room. “These aren’t just cases, they are human lives; children’s lives. You are talking about Maya as if she’s some sort of lost cause, but she’s not. We are giving these kids the best care possible. We are keeping them alive, for when there is a permanent cure.”

Taylor opens his mouth to respond, but you aren't done yet. “If you cannot handle treating every patient with respect, you have no business being in this field. You are off this case, go find the Chief and see if she is willing to put you on a different case today.” He walks off with the whisper of a “Sorry.”

“As for the rest of you, I want to make it very clear that this is not how we talk about patients, especially not on the floor where everyone can hear you. If one of your peers does this, I want you to take the responsibility to tell them off. Do you understand?”

They all nod in understanding. “Good, now that we have that out of the way. Anderson, please get all the tests to the lab and page me when you’ve got the results. The rest of you with me to continue our rounds.

It was your job to make these interns good doctors. You hated having to kick them off cases, but if they treated patients like this, there had to be consequences.

The rest of the rounds went smoothly, and just as you got done with the last patient, Anderson paged you that the results were ready.

“How are we looking, Anderson?” He handed you the tablet, “Looks good. All her test results come back to the right levels.” You look over the results yourself to verify and agree with his conclusion. “Alright, prep Maya, and let me know when she's ready to go to the OR.”

“I'm here!” You announce before bending down and putting your hands on your knees, pretending to be out of breath. “Did I make it? Am I still on time?” 

Maya's giggles filled the room, the reason you loved to joke around like this. Kids deserve to feel comfortable and at ease in a place that is filled with unknowns. 

“We can't start without you, silly.” The girl laughs. “Oh, you're right, silly me!” You wipe the non-existent sweat off your forehead. “Alright Champ, are you ready?” She nodded and reached out her hand for you to hold, like you had done for the last couple of surgeries. 

You hold her hand until you arrive in the OR. “Alright Champ, hop on over.” The girl expertly switched onto the surgical bed. “What flavour popsicle will it be this time?” She puts her hand to her chin, “Strawberry!” You had expected no other flavour, as it was her favourite. You grab your phone and start typing. “Alright, I've let the chef know your order. It will be served when you're ready.”

Once Maya was under anaesthesia, you left the room to scrub. You learned that kids often found comfort in seeing someone they knew, you, for as long as possible. When you got back into the OR you were gowned and gloved, before you went to work.

The three interns still on the case were allowed to observe in the OR. You remembered what residency was like for you, and wanted to make sure that they got as many opportunities as possible in an OR, before they got their first operation.

Everything went smoothly, until it didn’t. 

Seemingly out of nowhere her lower abdomen filled with blood. “I need suction.” You instructed and were instantly handed the device. It was pooling in her abdomen fast that you could clear it. You handed the suction device to Doctor Jackson, who was on the other side of the table. “Lap pads, please, and keep them coming.”

Lap pad after lap pad was thrown in the little bin beside you, but the blood didn’t seem to lessen. “Doctor Smith, what’s her pressure?” You needed one of the interns to read the board, since you were both too occupied with trying to stop the bleeding. “BP is 60 over 40 and falling.” 

You cursed under your breath, while desperately trying to find the source of the bleeding. “Clamp.” The tool was in your hand mere seconds later. You tried to clamp off the vessel, but despite your best efforts, the bleeding didn’t slow down.

“She’s crashing.” The anesthesiologist warned. “Not on my watch. Doctor Anderson, take over suction. We’re going to transfuse.” Doctor Jackson handed over the suction, and got ready to set up a transfusion.

“BP is 50 over 30.” Doctor Smith announced. “Hang in there Maya.” You willed her to fight. But the blood was still not slowing down and her pressure was dropping rapidly. 

“We’re losing her.” The anesthesiologist said with worry in his voice. “We are not giving up. Get the crash cart ready.” You took a deep breath and got ready to start CPR. 

The room full of doctors watched in silence as you continued compressions on the tiny body that laid on the table. “Come on, Maya.” Your voice barely above a whisper.

You don’t know how long you had been going, but your arms were starting to get tired. Doctor Jackson put his hand on your shoulder, “It’s time.” You shook your head, “No, she’s just a kid.”

His hand stayed on your shoulder, “You did everything you could. It’s time to let her go.” You slowly stopped compressions and looked down at her still body. Tears blurred your vision as you realised she was gone. 

“Time of death,” You started but weren’t allowed to finish the sentence. “11:16” Doctor Smith filled in. You stepped back and ripped your bloodstained gown and gloves off, and threw them onto the ground in frustration. 

You took a moment to gather yourself. You had to inform her family, and you needed to be strong for them. 

The moment you walked into the waiting room, Maya’s parents stood up. “No.” Maya’s mom said as all hope left her face. “No, my baby.” She could tell from your expression that the news wasn’t good, like it had been previous times. “I’m so sorry,” your voice broke. “We did everything we could, but Maya didn’t make it.”

You stood by as they fell into each other’s arms with tears streaming down their faces. They knew every surgery was a risk, but losing their little girl was something no parent was prepared for. “What happened?” Her dad asks.

“She lost too much blood. I- we tried everything to stop it, but we weren’t able to.” He nodded, still in disbelief. “Alright, thank you.” He got out before letting out another sob. Your heart broke even further. “If you want, you can see her for a bit. Would you like me to take you to her?” 

You walked them to the room and let them have a private moment with their daughter. Once you stepped outside, you got a page and headed to reception where you were asked for assistance. 

In a blur you walked down the hall and rode down in the elevator. It wasn’t until you laid your eyes on Caitlin that your vision got a bit more clear. You make your way over to her, and fall into her arms without saying another word. With her comforting arms around you, you couldn’t hold back any longer. The tears started streaming down your face, and Caitlin had to hold you tight, to keep you up right. 

“Oh, my love, what’s wrong?” She shared a worried look with her best friends Mackenzie and Alanna, who you hadn’t even realised were there too. “Can we go somewhere more private?” She asked softly. You nodded and took her hand. That’s when you realised the other girls. “Oh hi, I’m sorry. You guys can come too.” 

You walked the trio into your office and pulled Caitlin down onto the couch, to fall into her hold again. “I lost her, Cait. I lost Maya, she didn’t make it.” The room went silent. Caitlin held you while you sobbed. 

After a while you had no more tears left. “I’m sorry, you guys were here for a fun time, and now you’re stuck with me being emotional.” Alanna is quick to shake her head, “Don’t apologise, we’re all here for you.” Mackenzie agreed, “Yeah, if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.” 

“You should drink some water, love.” Caitlin suggested and pointed out the water pitcher to Alanna. You did as you were told, and sipped on the water that Alanna handed you. 

“Macca, could you do something for me?” She nodded instantly, “Of course, anything.” You had thought back of the last conversation you had with Maya. “Could you go down to the cafeteria and get some strawberry popsicles?” The request seemed odd to her, but she asked no questions.

Not long after she got back with four strawberry popsicles. “They were her favourite, we were going to have some when we were in the recovery room.” You put your head back on Caitlin’s shoulder. “This one’s for you Maya.”

You sit with the girls for a while longer. Maya had been your only surgery for the day, as you had taken the rest of the day off to be with Caitlin. When you feel strong enough to get up, you ask them to meet you down in the lobby, since you wanted to check on Maya’s parents before you left.

Her parents just walked out of Maya’s room when you walked onto the floor. You weren’t sure what to say except sorry, which you did again. What happened next surprised you. Her mom hugged you. “Thank you for giving us more time with our girl than we ever thought we’d have.” Every surgery had given her a couple of months longer to live, yet you had hoped you’d be able to keep her alive until a permanent solution was found, they made you realise that keeping her alive this long was a miracle already. 

Maya’s dad gave you a firm handshake. “While now is a dark moment for us all, we want you to know that we know you have given your best to our Maya, and for that we will forever be grateful.”

“Maya was an incredible young girl. While the circumstances of us meeting were never positive, I am honoured that I was allowed to know her. If there is ever anything I can do for you and your family, please don’t be afraid to reach out.”

You made your way downstairs again, where Caitlin met you at the bottom of the stairs. Her arm wrapped around your shoulder, as she walked you out of the hospital. “I sent the girls to get us some food, they’ll meet us at home.” 

You didn’t care for the food, but you were glad to be surrounded by your loved ones. All plans you previously had for the day were wiped off without having to communicate your needs. The couch is where you spend the rest of the day. A movie was playing on the tv, but you had fallen asleep in Caitlin’s comforting arms a long time ago.

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[amarylliasky]

Aaand number 1 is a sorta crack au post?

Au: Everyone’s a Regressor!

- Just what the title says. Everyone (except the villains ofc) is a regressor. Including Cale. Who just happens to be a regressor, transmigrator, and reincarnator. Basically the same plot of Cale lived his first life in tboah and then reincarnated as krs before regressing and transmigrating into his original body after dying as krs. Plot twist though, most everyone else is also a regressor and he has no idea. He has memories of his first and second lives. Including the novel he read before he died, and doesn’t know why everyone is acting so different from what he knows!

- Why is his family being so nice and talking to him?! Why is Ron giving him so much lemonade?! Why does that Punk Choi Han act like he knows him already?! He and Ron and Beacrox know each other?! When did they meet this early?! Who are all these people in his house?!

- Okay? So his father is reinforcing the walls and they are making a navy in the Ubarr territory??? This is great. The heroes and his family are preparing for the war and he doesn’t even have to lift a finger!

- He does still carry out his plans though. Getting the ancient powers, saving Raon and coincidentally finding On and Hong, and helping Taylor and Cage. Speaking of which, Taylor stops his search for the vitality of the heart and just relaxes in Puzzle city with Cage for a bit before they meet Cale. Of course, the god of death still tells Cage abt the benefactor, who was not present in their past life. Cage is shocked to hear from the one who abandoned them in the last life, but still listens to him for Taylor’s sake.

- Deruth doesn’t want to send either of his sons this time, but he is shocked when Cale offers to go. Despite both his parents and Basen trying to deter him, he convinces them to let him go. They agree, only because Choi Han and the Molan duo will accompany him. Deruth doesn’t like the idea sending the person who beat his son to protect him. Much less the ones who betrayed his son to go off and play hero with the offender; but he knows how strong they are. If anyone can keep Cale safe, it’s them.

- Choi Han doesn’t hate Cale, but he doesn’t really like him either. He’s come to respect the younger during the time they spent as allies during the war, but the Cale right now hasn’t faced his future tragedy yet. He’s still young and immature, and acts like trash….right..? Wait- not right?! What is with this kid? Why does he act so different from before?! By all means, he should still be trash, soo why is he acting completely different from their past life? And why does he know things he shouldn’t know at this point in time? Or any point in time for that matter?

- He doesn’t seem to remember their life before, so why is he acting so strange?

- Cale is just trying to make it seem like he doesn’t know half these people so he won’t look suspicious, but why is everyone acting like they know him? He knows he’s never met the crown prince in this life, so what’s with that melancholy look?

- Meanwhile, Choi Han is just trying to find a way to find Rosalyn and Lock without seeming too suspicious. Luckily, Cale sent him away first.

- The vow of death never happens.

- “ I can’t tell you everything, but I can share two truths.” “Oh, there’s no need Cale-nim. I trust you.”

‘Wha..? How can you trust me? We’ve only known each other for a few weeks.’ “Don’t you want information on that secret organization?”

“It’s alright, Cale-nim. I’m sure we’ll run into them again soon.”

‘This punk…Does he know something?’ “Choi Han, do you know something about them?”

‘That’s not possible. Choi Han should have only encountered them once by this point.’

“No. I. Don’t. Know. What. You. Are. Talking. About.” ….

‘Was Choi Han always such a bad liar..?’

- Cale doesn’t get the annual rings right away. Why? Idk, consistency with Tcf plot?

- Everyone knows that everyone has regressed except Cale. Bc it’s funnier that way.

- So we got all his family members tiptoeing around him, trying to see if he remembers but also trying not to jog his memory if he doesn’t. They know the last life hurt him and they don’t want him to have to carry the burden of their deaths. (He does. And he’s not gonna make the same mistake twice).

- The Radish is still a hassle to deal with. Obviously they didn’t see all his powers from the last life as they were completely overwhelmed by the enemies, but with Cale’s help and their experience from the past, they are much stronger and more prepared. By the time the Indomitable alliance comes to the Henituse territory, there are even more secret weapons coming out of the woodworks. Seriously, the enemies are so confused. So is Cale. So is everyone else. Clopeh never stood a chance. It’s like the pointing Spiderman meme. And the enemies are a bonfire in the middle; being reduced to ashes while everyone else is being stunned by each other’s collective strength.

- The only enemy they have a bit of trouble with is the White Star. Not because he’s too strong, no, he’s already no match for Choi Han, Rosalyn, and Lock fighting against him altogether, but with the aid of Eruhaben, they now know that he’s a reincarnator. They have no idea how to kill him for good.

- So basically, they keep encountering him and injuring him further while trying not to actually kill him. Of course, that’s not to say that the rest of the WS allies are a joke, rather, they are just slightly challenging as literally everyone in the two continents speed runs getting stronger to prepare to combat his forces.

- To make it even more fun, none of the enemies retain their memories. Also, the citizens are random on who has memories of their past. Some do, some don’t. It creates chaos.

- Adventurer Bob remembers his past life where he died on his first adventure. He doesn’t know how he came back to the past, but he’s determined to use his knowledge of the future to his advantage! (What knowledge? Bro literally died on his first expedition).

- A middle aged baker in Rain City vows to live his life to the fullest this time! He’s going to build a Wyvern bunker! He’s going to save up funds! And he’s going to make up with his daughter who ran away to become a sword master! He’ll support her all the way this time. They may not be enough, but even if she doesn’t reach that level, who is he to stunt her only chance at survival in the upcoming war?

- Rookie Knight Jeffron has had quite a strange day. He woke up only to hear three of his comrades spouting nonsense about wars and fire and wyverns..? Just what is a wyvern? Must have been quite the nightmare. Psssh! As if! The Henituse territory would never fall to enemy soldiers! And attacking from the sky? Yeah right! What’s next? The Sun god accepts the darkness attribute? Hah! Jokes these days…

- Really, half the city seems to have had too much to drink. Or too little…? What has happened to Young Master Cale?! Some citizens could have sworn he had still been trash in the past. So what has happened to make their young master change so much? He doesn’t seem like he remembers? He doesn’t…right?

[starkskeep]

Right when I felt the moment stop (r. stark)

Right when I felt the moment stop r. stark imagine

Pt. 2 of Oh, all I used to do was pray

Pairings - Robb Stark x female!Reader

Summary - Robb Stark and the rest of his family bear the consequences of their actions toward you.

Word Count - 1,899 words

Warnings - Angst, violence, mention of infidelity, mention of an animal attack

Songs I listened to while writing: mad woman, Right Where You Left Me (Taylor Swift) Washing Machine Heart (Mitski)

Jon was in the courtyard when he caught sight of Arya and Rickon rushing in on horseback. He had been trying to avoid Robb after their confrontation so he avoided going over to his younger siblings as Robb and Catelyn were trying to figure out what happened. Instead, Jon watched from the side. 

"Rickon, Arya, what happened? Are you alright?" Catelyn's voice is comforting, but the look in her eyes screams one word: What happened?

Arya whispers, still in shock, “Rickon and I were in the Wolfswood. We were surprised by Ramsay Bolton and his men. They were talking about using us for ransom or hurting us to get back at Robb. Then Y/n showed up. She used a rock to distract the guards holding me and Rickon. Y/n told us to take her horse and ride back to Winterfell.”

Jon walked up to the group after he heard the commotion. He spoke urgently as he heard your name but did not see you after scanning the courtyard. “Y/n? Where is she now?”

The look of dread on Arya and Rickon’s faces is enough to confirm the worst. 

Catelyn holds back her instincts and tries to remain calm so as not to frighten her children. She takes deep breaths and looks at her eldest son. “Robb, this is very bad. You need to do something.”

Jon speaks up quickly, cutting off Robb’s response. There isn’t time for him to be respectful, even if his brother could take his head as the king. “I’m taking men and I am going to search the Wolfswood for her. This is Ramsay. We may already be too late. He thrives off the pain of others.” Jon immediately goes to round up some men and head off.

Robb stares after Jon. He can’t believe what he has just heard. You would risk your life for Robb’s siblings after how they all treated you?

Jon and the men with him come upon the clearing that Ramsay and his men were obviously just at. Although, it may just be Ramsay now. There were several bodies strewn, bloodied with scratches and bite marks. By the luck of the gods, your body is not among those fallen but it means you are most likely alone with Ramsay. The rescue party continues on by following tracks left in the snow. Farther into the forest, there is a fallen bear with arrows embedded in it. This is obviously the animal that killed Ramsay’s men. 

A shrill scream sends Jon and the men running toward the sound. They end up at the bank of a frozen river. Ramsay has you trapped against him, a dagger held to your throat. The fear and panic were quite clear in your eyes, even from all the way across the river.

“Hello, bastard. I see you’re still at the beck and call of your brother. It’s unfortunate that he won’t be here to see as I slit his wife’s throat, although from what I hear, he would probably thank me for doing so. Be sure to describe in detail the events that happened. I would hate for him to be left wondering. Shame the other two runts escaped. I’ll be sure to make your good sister’s death painful for the loss she caused me.” Ramsay sneered as he pulled you tighter against him.

As Ramsay was distracted by his taunting of Jon, your good brother subtly directed one of the men to move to his side of Ramsay. The soldier pulled back his bow and sent an arrow flying right into Ramsay’s side. This caused Ramsay to let go of you, unfortunately slicing your collarbone as he fell. The impact of his body against the river ice created fissures in the frozen water. Jon went to step onto the ice in order to get you to safety.

“Wait! Don’t—“ Your words were cut off when the pressure created a crack so large that the ice beneath you broke and sent you into the cold river. You frantically tried to get back onto the ice but could not maintain a grip on the slippery surface. You fell back into the water and the current swept you underneath the ice. Jon immediately sprung into action and sprinted onto the ice, jumping over broken slabs while still trying to be as light as he could. By sheer luck, Jon was able to reach an area in front of your path and break through the ice. He hauled you to safety and rushed back to the group. They were smart enough to have a cloak ready to wrap you in and bundled you onto a horse. Everyone set off to Winterfell. 

When Jon made it back through the gates of Winterfell, he ignored the questions from everyone. His only focus was on getting you to a maester. Once you were being tended to, Jon turned to his family. They had followed him to your chambers and were waiting to hear what had happened to you.

When Jon spoke, his voice was deeply serious. “The men and I found y/n being held by Ramsay on the river. His men had been attacked and killed by a bear. Only he and she escaped the animal. We were able to kill Ramsay. He sliced her collarbone as she fell. The wound isn’t deep enough to kill her but she fell into the river when the ice broke. I tried to get to her as quick as I could. She was breathing as I brought her back but she was pale. So pale. Her lips were blue. I don’t know what will happen to her now.”

Robb nods his head as Jon explains, he has to know. ”Do you think she'll make it?" He knows this is a question only the Maester can answer, but he wants to hear it for himself. And right now, he wants nothing more than to hear good news.

Jon glares at Robb and spits out, “We wouldn’t have to worry about that if she hadn’t left Winterfell because of you.”

Robb's face pales, and his expression turns to anger. He hadn't expected Jon to lash out at him, and his mouth opens and closes as he tries to respond. He looks down at the ground and away from his brother, clearly ashamed. Robb knows that Jon is right but he doesn’t yet want to admit that out loud.

You woke up a week later. The maester had healed you to the best of his abilities but you were still quite weak. When you awoke, you were confused as to where you were and what had happened to you. You were even more confused when you saw Robb sitting beside the bed you were lying in.

“My lord husband. I…I” You say as you try to push yourself up.

Robb looks down at you, his face full of mixed emotions. He is grateful that you are alive, but he knows the damage the attack from Ramsay has done to you. You look... unwell. He puts his hand on yours and his expression is soft. “Y/n, don't try to get up. The maester has tended to you as best he can, but you need to rest in order to heal. You nearly died, and you need to let yourself recover. Is there anything you need? A... any water?”

You pull your hand away from Robb’s and recoil slightly as you bring your hand close to your chest. Your eyes don’t leave Robb, watching him warily and expecting him to blame you for the events that happened. “No. I’m fine, your grace.”

Robb sees your hand slide away and he pulls his own hand back with a disappointed expression on his face. He stares at his lap, upset at himself that he couldn't do more to help you, and hurt by the fact that she doesn't want anything from him. What else could he do? His eyes drift to the door, and he gives a quick nod to the guard outside. The guard nods back and leaves the room, closing the door behind him and leaving you and your husband alone in the room.

You speak up in order to make this interaction less awkward. “Are Arya and Rickon alright? Did they get back to Winterfell safely?”

Robb's face drops when you ask this. He nods and forces himself to smile. Don't show her your pain. "They are alright. Don't worry about them, y/n.” He forces himself to smile again, but his voice is shaking. After a moment, he closes his eyes and takes a breath. When he opens them again, he looks at you more steadily. "But now, I must worry about you.”

You brush aside Robb’s concern. The thought of your husband suddenly caring for you after mostly ignoring you for the past six months makes you wary and uncomfortable. The fact that he is only now showing concern after you almost died makes you angry. “You do not need to, your grace. There are many more important things for you to be doing. The maester has everything under control.”

Robb is shocked. For a moment, this makes him angry, that his own good intentions didn't mean anything to you. After a deep breath, Robb speaks again, “Y/n, that was an unkind thing to say. I'm trying to make you feel better, and you just..." Robb bites his lip and looks down at the bed. He is at a loss for words. He looks back up at you and asks again. “Y/n is there anything I could get you? Anything…" Robb is practically begging you at this point.

Your face hardens for a brief second before it slips into an expressionless mask, “You’re right. You are my lord husband. I should not have spoken out of turn. I merely worry that you have many tasks already. It is a wife’s job to care for her husband but it is not the husband’s job to care for his wife.”

Robb's face has a mixture of irritation and shock etched upon it. it. He can't tell if you are making fun of him or not, but either one is enough to make him boil over with anger. “How can you say such a thing? I am not some cold lord who has a wife only as a showpiece. I am not like him." He spat out in disgust. “Y/n, what is this? Do you want to be alone? I’m trying to be a better husband here.”

You begin to sob and the maester interrupts you and Robb out of concern for your health. The old maester speaks as he ushers Robb out of the tower, “My lord. You need to let the lady rest. She can’t be put under such emotional distress. Please leave and come back once your wife has recovered a bit more.”

Robb feels his expression falter as he sees the tears running down your cheeks, and he turns his gaze to the floor. He feels a sharp pierce of shame in his chest as he realizes what he has put you through, and he nods to the maester.

"I... I understand." He says, looking at the older man and then back to you before turning to leave. He leaves the room slowly, quietly, and with a heavy heart.

Next Part

[pyrodolls]

gorgeous (havik x gn! reader)

warnings: slight gore i suppose? and spoilers for mk1’s story mode but if ur reading this i’m sure you already know.

a/n: i still dont know how tumblr works but i love havik sm so i just wanna keep writing him. anyways this is based off of how i was listening to gorgeous by taylor swift and thought of havik bc he may look like a burnt rotisserie chicken but HE IS VERY GORGEOUS TO ME!!

you always had a crush on havik. you originally met through quan chi, since you were both working with him. but you decided to not pursue havik, since he seemed very keen on his journey to liberation. you figured he wasn’t looking for a relationship, especially because he probably isn’t the type of guy to commit to one.

besides, you had some problems of your own to deal with. for example, even though you were working with him, you still found quan chi to be a pain in the ass. he was always asking you to do meaningless chores and missions, while giving the harder ones to your other allies like sareena, darrius, and nitara. you were tired of being treated like you were weak.

“quan chi.” you called out from behind him.

“oh, (y/n). i’m assuming you have finished scouting the area.” he said, as you were both at the ying fortress. you were there with quan chi, aiding him and shang tsung as they were working on their soul stealers. quan chi had ordered you to keep watch outside the fortress along with nitara and sareena. they apparently had a run-in with sub-zero, scorpion, and smoke.

“i have. sareena and nitara ran into a few intruders recently.” you informed.

quan chi furrowed his eyebrows. “intruders? were they sent by liu kang?”

you nodded. “most likely. nitara and sareena could not stop them. they are probably already inside as i speak.”

“stay here. keep watch while i apprehend our little intruders.” he growled.

you rolled your eyes. “i will not stay here. i’ll apprehend them myself, quan chi.”

then, you ran inside the fortress before he could argue with you. you must prove yourself useful, so quan chi will cease to underestimate your kombat.

you ran into the fortress and found a swarm of guards running around the area led by sub-zero himself and shang tsung.

“what is the meaning of this, shang tsung? isn’t sub-zero working for liu kang?” you questioned.

sub-zero scoffed. “i refuse to be associated with liu kang anymore. while working with him, the lin kuei were doomed to mediocrity. now, we will achieve greatness. unfortunately, kuai liang does not understand the lin kuei’s potential. we must not let him escape.”

you nodded, and went on your way to help find kuai liang. if you were the one to apprehend a member of the lin kuei, you would be well respected. you were determined to find him.

until you ran into havik and darrius. and they had just fought kuai liang.

unfortunately, it looked like havik’s face didn’t exactly survive the wrath of scorpion.

“havik..?” you whispered, seeing half of his face gone. it was flesh instead of his regular, beautiful skin and lips.

havik’s expression was of rage and exhaustion from his defeat. until he saw you, and his face softened. he went quiet, not replying to you and just looking down.

“what happened?” you asked, kneeling down to his side. “did scorpion do that to you?”

“yes. he shoved my face in there.” he spat, pointing at a pot of some kind of burning liquid.

“i see..” you sighed. “that must’ve hurt. aren’t you going to heal it?”

havik paused, and thought about your question. he stood up and looked into a reflective surface nearby, analyzing his new face.

“i suppose i won’t. i can use it as a symbol of chaos.” he claimed, proud of his new revelation. he looked down to your slightly disappointed face and scoffed. “is there a problem with that?”

“i mean, no, not at all. in fact, i think you still look… gorgeous.” you muttered.

havik raised an eyebrow. “still? gorgeous?”

you paused, deciding whether you can pretend you misspoke or be honest.

“yeah.. i thought you looked great when you still had your face. and now, i think you still look good. especially because of how proud you are of your new appearance. that is very honorable.” you admitted.

havik chuckled. “i see. i appreciate your compliments. i do believe my scars are a memorabilia of my past struggles and reminders of the kombat i have faced. my wounds are a sign that i honorably fight for liberation, and i will never surrender to anyone or give up, no matter how painful the journey may be.” he ranted.

you listened intently to his rant, genuinely interested in what he had to say. you didn’t fully agree to some of the things he does, but you overall sympathize with his struggles and understand that his anger and drive are because of his rough past. you wanted to help him, and free him of his pain. even if you disagree with some of his methods, you’ll be there for him.

“you are one of the only people to truly understand me. i appreciate your intelligence.” havik complimented. “would you like to join me in my journey? i could use your skills and i can provide you safe haven from harm. however, you must agree to accept chaos.”

you thought about his offer for a moment. if you decided to directly work with havik, you’ll most likely never go back to your regular life. you will make enemies that you don’t want. you realized he will probably be your only company for a while.

“i will join you.” you replied.

and so, you both worked together to spread chaos and bless outworld with anarchy. havik was very pleased with your efforts and how you wouldn’t hesitate to help aid him. he ended up confessing his feelings for you, and you were both pretty happy together. he was overprotective over you and vowed to keep you safe from harm. you were supportive and tried to help him heal from his past.

overall, havik loved you. even though he never imagined himself feeling so devoted to another being, he was grateful that you were the hope and light that kept him sane throughout his life full of blood, sweat, and tears. with you by his side, and slowly succeeding in freeing his people in seido, havik was very content with his life.

[smilingformoney]

An Unlikely Reunion | Elliott Marston/OC

Summary: When a visitor to the station sets his eye on Elliott Marston's wife, Elliott must remind her who she belongs to.

AN: Guys, I have a confession to make.

When I started writing Sins of the Flesh, I only expected to write a one shot, so I made the main character our beloved Y/n. But as it snowballed into the story it is today, she became a character of her own, with backstory and personality, and quite frankly I think she's my favourite character I've ever written.

So from now on when I write her, she'll be Mary Taylor, the OC she was always meant to be. I hope you love her as much as I do <3

Also, you'll note this takes place in the timeline where Mary and Elliott end up together. I still consider the ending where he dies to be canon but Mary and Elliott are too cute not to play with!

Tags: fluff, smut, jealousy, outdoor sex

Word Count: 6.6k

Read on Ao3 or below the cut:

When Mary had first arrived at Marston Waters with Elliott, one of the first things he did was to build an extra room to his house for her to use as a workshop. She appreciated having the space, although she preferred if she could to be in the lounge to be closer to Elliott while he worked at his desk.

She was in her workshop, putting the finishing touches on a new jacket she was making for Elliott, when the door opened, and she had to quickly shield the unfinished jacket from view to prevent him seeing it before it was done. She giggled when she saw that Elliott was holding his hand over his eyes.

“Don’t worry, darling, I’m not peeking,” he said. “We’ll be having a guest for dinner tonight. Be ready for six o’clock, won’t you?”

“Of course, my love.”

Mary scurried over to him to plant a kiss to his lips, and he smiled.

“I’ll leave you to your work, darling.”

Elliott left, and Mary returned to her work, wondering just who the guest might be.

At half past five, Mary put down her fabrics and needle to get ready for dinner. She made sure to choose her nicest dress, though not too extravagant - while she didn’t know who the guest was, she knew Elliott would be wanting to impress them, so she chose a dress one might believe was a day-to-day dress while also thinking it very nice indeed.

When she came into the dining room at five minutes to six, she found Elliott and his guest already seated, both smoking cigars as Elliott told the other man about his interest in the American West.

“Ah, and here’s my darling wife,” Elliott interrupted himself with a grin, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her dressed so nicely for him. “Mary, this is Mr Samuel Bloome. Bloome, this is my wife, Mary.”

“How do you do, sir,” Mary said with a polite curtsy.

Bloome smiled, stood up and kissed Mary’s hand.

“A pleasure to meet such a stunning young lady out here,” he said.

Mary blushed, and was too busy taking her seat next to Elliott to notice the way her husband’s eyes narrowed at the young man.

“What grants us the honour of your company, Mr Bloome? It’s not often my husband invites a guest to join us for dinner.”

“You may have heard of my father, Marcus Bloome; he owns the land to the west of Mr Marston’s land. Or he did, until he passed away a few weeks ago; now the land falls to me. I wrote to Mr Marston to introduce myself and he invited me to visit to discuss business.”

Mary had heard Elliott speak about a landowner to the west named Bloome, but truthfully he never had anything positive to say about the man. She thought it best not to mention that for the moment.

“Oh, dear, I’m very sorry for your loss, Mr Bloome. I do hope he didn’t suffer.”

“Oh, he was old; while I mourn his passing, it wasn’t unexpected. Still, I thank you for your kind words, Mary.”

Elliott’s jaw twitched.

“I don’t know how you treat women to the west, Bloome, but while you’re on my land you’ll show my wife respect and address her as Mrs Marston.”

“Oh, Elliott, don’t be silly,” Mary said with a wave of her hand. “Just Mary is fine with me.”

“Well, it’s not fine with me,” Elliott said firmly.

Mary ducked her head slightly. “Of course, darling.”

Noticing her sudden tension, Elliott placed his hand over hers gently, a silent reassurance that he wasn’t angry at her.

The clock chimed six o’clock, and on cue the butler entered from the kitchen with a tray, carrying three plates of delicious-smelling steak. He served Mary first, as Elliott had instructed him to always do, then Elliott, and finally Bloome.

“So Mrs Marston, I notice you have a London accent,” Bloome said conversationally as they all began to eat. “Are you from there?”

“Yes, I arrived in Australia four months ago,” Mary replied. “I met Elliott when he visited London, we fell in love and were married there before he returned here with me.”

Elliott smiled at her. “Yes, I went to London to execute my cousin’s estate and came back with the sweetest lady in London as my wife. I count myself lucky every day.”

Mary blushed. “Oh, Elliott, hush. Are you married, Mr Bloome?”

“Not yet. I’ve had various gentlemen offer me their daughters, especially when it became apparent that I was shortly to inherit my father’s land, but never a woman who’s piqued my interest. Charming girls, of course, but clearly more interested in my father’s land than myself. Call me a romantic fool, but I’d rather marry for love than a transaction. The problem is, of course, that any woman worthy of loving is snatched up quickly.” He raised his glass of wine to Mary. “A clear example. I’m not surprised Mr Marston married a woman as beautiful as yourself so promptly. If I’d met you and learned you were available, I’d have dropped to one knee there and then.”

“Do you encounter many deserters to the west, Bloome?” Elliott said quickly. “I usually send those I find on my land to Major Ashley-Pitt, although sometimes I have to administer justice myself.”

He withdrew his revolver from his belt and placed it on the table with a smug smile. “This is my administrator of choice. The colt revolver, created by Samuel Colt himself and imported from America. Some people say I’m the fastest draw in Australia.”

“And are you one of those people, Mr Marston?”

Mary had to disguise her laugh as a cough. Elliott glanced at Mary, then back at Bloome. He placed his revolver back in his belt, then said, “I’m not one to toot my own horn, but I’m yet to be bested. Unless you’d care to challenge me? A friendly competition between neighbours, of course.”

Bloome held his hands up. “I’m not a gunman myself. More of a man of letters - my younger brother was always the brawn, and I was the brains.”

“And who’s the beauty?” Mary asked.

“Oh, my sister, naturally. She had suitors from every direction until she married a man from Canada and moved there with him.”

The conversation continued as they ate, and Mary found Mr Bloome more and more interesting as he told more stories about his life. Although they hadn’t discussed it, Mary felt that Elliott didn’t want it mentioned that she had previously been married to his cousin, and so she skirted around the topic when it almost came up.

After dinner, Elliott and Mr Bloome were to discuss business, so with a curtsy to Mr Bloome and a kiss to Elliott’s cheek, she left them to it and took herself on a stroll around the station. She ended up, as she usually did, in the stable, keeping company with the horses. She found it soothing to brush their manes, and when Elliott found her there, the sun had long since set in the sky.

“There’s my little kola bear,” he said endearingly as he approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s not safe for you out here after dark, darling, you know that.”

“Nonsense, El, I’m perfectly safe. Chestnut will look after me, won’t you, girl?”

She stroked the horse she’d been grooming, and Chestnut whinnied in response.

“Besides, what’s the worst that could happen? The natives wouldn’t dare approach the station, and your men know better than to harm me.”

“Mmm, maybe, but I’m not so sure about that Bloome fellow,” Elliott replied as he nuzzled his nose against his wife’s hair, as if he were sniffing her to pick up her scent. “I don’t like the way he was looking at you - or talking to you. He said himself that if we weren’t married he’d have proposed to you himself.”

“Are you jealous, Elliott?” Mary giggled. She turned in his arms so that they were facing one another, and she leant up on her toes to kiss him.

“Silly man. You know you’re the only one for me. What would I possibly see in Bloome?”

“He’s younger than me, for a start. Much closer to your age. A more appropriate match, some would say.”

“I don’t care about that, El. I like that you’re older than me. It means you have more experience, in life and in… other matters.”

“He’s handsome.”

“Is he? I hadn’t noticed. Not as handsome as you, that’s for certain.”

“His lands are bigger.”

“Now I know you’re being silly. There’s only one matter in which I care about size, darling, and I suspect you’re leagues ahead of him in that department.”

Elliott raised an eyebrow, a flirtatious smirk forming on his face.

“Oh, really? And what matter is that, exactly?”

Mary smiled coyly.

“Well… your hat, of course.”

Elliott blinked. “My what?”

“I saw his hat hanging by the door during dinner. Have you seen the brim on it? It’s abysmal. Yours is much more practical, darling, especially since you started wearing the one I made you, if I do say so myself. And you look so very handsome in it.”

Elliott laughed and kissed the top of her head.

“Thank you, darling. So I have nothing to worry about from Bloome then?”

“Hmm, well… now you mention it, he does have a lot of land…”

“Right, that’s it.”

Elliott lifted her up with ease, and her squeal of surprise startled Chestnut slightly, although when she saw that the apparent assailant was only Elliott, the horse seemed to let it slide. Elliott threw Mary over his shoulder and carried her out of the stable, only to take her around the back to where the hay was stored and throw her onto a bale.

“What are you doing?” Mary asked playfully.

“I’m going to remind you who you belong to,” Elliott said darkly, his hand already unbuckling his belt as he loomed over her. “I can’t have my wife admiring another man’s land, can I?”

“I admire all of Australia, Elliott, not just your part of it. Perhaps you could take Bloome’s land and have it all to yourself.”

“Maybe I will. I’ll have the land and the most beautiful wife in Australia, and he’ll have nothing.”

“Not even a good hat.”

Elliott grinned. He pulled his cock out of his trousers and began fondling it, watching Mary hungrily as she lay against the hay bale, her legs spread and her skirt riding up her legs to reveal her shins.

“Pull your skirt up, darling. Let me see what’s mine.”

She obeyed like the good wife she was, allowing Elliott to pull her bloomers off and toss them aside, and even in the moonlight Elliott could see her cunt glistening with her desire.

“God, you’re so fucking beautiful,” Elliott groaned as he tugged languidly on his cock, encouraging it to life as he stared hungrily at his wife. “And so wet already. Is that all for me, darling, or did Bloome turn you on at the dinner table?”

“It’s all for you, my love,” Mary panted, her breaths getting heavier as her arousal took over. “You’re the only one my cunt obeys.”

“Mmm, we know that’s not true, don’t we? It obeys you too. Go on - show me. Use your fingers. I want to watch you pleasure yourself.”

Mary obeyed, one hand sliding between her legs to circle her lips before she dipped a finger into her entrance, just deep enough to gather up her arousal, then withdrew and circled her sweet spot just right, in the way she’d learnt to give herself pleasure far too recently.

“Fuck yourself with your fingers,” Elliott growled, his wrist pumping a little faster now. “Tell me how wet you are in there.”

Mary let out a gasp as she slid two fingers inside her, and she could feel just how wet she was getting for him.

“I’m so - so wet for you, El,” she moaned. “I want you inside me.”

He grinned hungrily. “Oh you do, do you? You want my cock to fill you up, is that it?”

“Yes - yes, please, Elliott. I need you… need you to take me hard, claim me as yours…”

“Oh, with pleasure, darling.”

Elliott leant her over, positioning himself between her legs. He rubbed his cock up her slit, coating it with her desire, before pressing his cockhead against her entrance.

“Who do you belong to?” Elliott demanded between gritted teeth, clearly resisting thrusting straight into her.

“I’m - I’m yours,” Mary gasped. “I’m all yours, Elliott. My body is yours… my heart is yours… I am yours…”

Elliott thrust forwards, sliding easily inside her, and Mary groaned with relief to feel her husband filling her up. It had been a few days since they’d last made love, and she hadn’t realised until now just how much she craved him.

“Mmm… my wife,” Elliott sighed as he filled her up completely, his cock hilted inside her with a firm, possessive stretch. “My good little slut, opening her legs for me behind the stable. No one around but God to witness, and even if someone were to see, what would it matter, hm? I have every right to fuck my wife on my land. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

“Yes, Elliott, yes… take me here, please, fill me up…”

“As my wife commands.”

She cried out with pleasure as he pounded into her, both of them still fully clothed but for the bare essentials. Mary grabbed at Elliott’s waistcoat, unbuttoning it desperately as she sought to uncover her husband’s bare chest. Thanks to her nimble tailor’s fingers, Mary was able to unbutton the waistcoat without Elliott needing to slow his thrusts, and she slid her hands hungrily under his shirt to slip her arms around his shoulders and hold him close to her.

“I’m going to make you cum under the stars,” Elliott growled. “And I want you to cum loud . Let everyone know the pleasure only I can give you.”

“By everyone, do you really mean Bloome?”

Elliott snarled at the mention of the other man’s name. “If he wants to covet my wife, let him. I’d covet you too if you were another man’s wife. But you’re mine, and it’s going to stay that way.”

“Of course, El, I - I only want you,” Mary gasped, her grip on his shoulders tightening as she came closer and closer to her peak. “I’m yours - all yours - never - never want anyone else, Elliott, only you…”

“Mmm, I’m going to fill you up with my seed, give you a baby, then nobody will ever doubt that you’re mine,” Elliott panted. “I can’t wait to see your belly grow big with child… you’ll be even more beautiful than you are now…”

“Oh, yes, El, give it to me. I want your seed, want your baby… please… oh God, Elliott, please, fuck me harder…”

He obeyed, and when Mary came with a loud cry of his name, Elliott’s pleasure came shortly after, his seed shooting inside her just as he promised, filling her up with a relaxing warmth. His moan of pleasure was the most beautiful sound in the world, and Mary felt a peculiar kind of comfort in taking her husband’s seed under the stars. It felt so good, so right, as if making love in the open air was the only thing that she needed in the world.

“I love you, Elliott,” Mary mumbled as she came down from her high, both of them breathing heavily as they basked in the moment. “Thank you for… well, for everything.”

Elliott chuckled and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you for choosing to marry me, darling. Now how about we get ourselves inside, hm? It’s getting cold and I don’t want you to catch a chill.”

He pulled out of her and stood up to tuck himself away before putting his hand out to help Mary to her feet.

“I don’t believe there’s such a thing as cold in Australia,” Mary said as she straightened down her dress. Elliott plucked a stray piece of hay from her hair. “Even the nights are warmer than the days in London. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it.”

“Hm, I suppose it would be warm to you, wouldn’t it?” Elliott mused as he put an arm around her waist to escort her back around the stable towards their home. “Just as a warm day in London to you would be cold to me.”

“It’s a good thing you came during summer; if you’d come during winter, you might have frozen to death.” She gasped as she came to a sudden realisation. “If it’s never cold here, does that mean you’ve never seen snow?”

“I’ve not seen it myself, though I believe it snows in the mountains to the east.”

“Can we visit next winter? Oh, please let’s, El, I love snow. Tommy and I used to build snowmen every Christmas, and all the children would have snowball fights in Hyde Park! It was so wonderful, because it really was all the children - even those from the manor houses would play in the snow with us street urchins. There was no class or status in a snowball fight - only who had the better aim!”

“And did you have the better aim?” Elliott asked.

“Well, of course. We were quite a formidable duo, Tommy and I - he’d make the snowballs, I’d throw them. I particularly enjoyed throwing them at the boys, because they daren’t hit a girl, even with a snowball!”

They were approaching the house now, and Mary was still buzzing with excitement as she reminisced about the happier moments of her childhood with her brother. She continued chattering away as they entered the house, Elliott listening with close attention and complete adoration.

They were both unaware that Bloome and some of the men were still awake, smoking and playing cards on the porch of the men’s cabin. They’d heard every word of Mary and Elliott’s conversation - as well as the unmistakable moans from behind the stable.

Bloome placed a card down and said casually, “Such childlike wonder. Is that really the same woman we heard moaning like a whore just now?”

“She practically is a child,” Kelly snorted. “She must be, what, eighteen? He’s forty-four, I know that. Could be her father.”

“Ah, you’re just jealous ‘cause your wife’s an old hag,” Dogen said, and the others laughed.

“Eighteen, you say?” Bloom said thoughtfully, taking a puff from his cigar. “Interesting…”

Meanwhile, inside the house, Mary had exhausted herself of stories about playing in the snow and was now telling Elliott about Christmas in London as they readied themselves for bed.

“Oh, and Mrs Harris - that’s the seamstress I used to work for - she always made the most delicious plum pudding at Christmas, and she always saved me a slice after her family had devoured most of it. I’d share half with Tommy, of course, and so I only ever had a mouthful or two, but oh, it was the most delicious mouthful I’d have all year!” Mary gasped. “Do you have plum pudding here, Elliott? I’d love to have a whole slice to myself this year — if that’s not too much to ask, of course.”

Elliott chuckled and placed his hands on Mary’s shoulders.

“Mary, your excitement is endearing as always, but you’re getting yourself all worked up before bed. You’ll be up all night if you keep getting yourself excited.”

“Oh, yes, of course. I’m sorry, I do get carried away sometimes —”

“Don’t apologise, my love. Your excitement at life’s pleasures is one of my favourite things about you. But I don’t want you bouncing off the walls when you should be bouncing on my lap.”

Mary blushed.

“Elliott! We just made love not five minutes ago! Are you truly that insatiable?”

He smiled and reached around to squeeze her bum.

“You make me insatiable, darling. I simply can’t get enough of you. Come, let’s get into bed. Would you like me to read to you tonight?”

Mary’s eyes lit up. She loved the sound of her husband’s voice, so deep and smooth, and it did always soothe her to listen to him reading aloud, even if she didn’t understand the books he read.

“Yes, please, darling. If you wouldn’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t mind. You know I love to read to you. But I’ll warn you, I’m reading a book on the American Constitution, you might find it boring.”

“Oh, good, I’m more likely to fall asleep,” Mary teased. She kissed him on the nose, then climbed into bed and patted the space beside her. “Come on, El, bore me to sleep with talk of constitutions.”

Elliott shook his head and laughed, wondering for what must have been the thousandth time how he’d been so fortunate to find himself such an endearing wife.

He climbed into bed with her, picking up his book from his nightstand as he did so, and waited until she was comfortably curled up against his chest before he began to read.

“Assuming it therefore as an established truth that the several States, in case of disunion, or such combinations of them as might happen to be formed out of the wreck of the general Confederacy…”

---

To her surprise, Mary woke the next day before Elliott did.

He was often up much earlier than her, and either he’d get up to start working, or he’d stay in bed and coax her awake for some early morning lovemaking.

She stayed in bed a little while, watching him sleep. He looked so peaceful, and when she grazed his lips with a light kiss, he smiled and held her tighter to his chest.

Eventually, Mary had to wriggle out of her husband’s grasp, because she needed the toilet. When she was finished, she peered out the window, and noticed that the sun was only just beginning to rise. Why she was awake so early, she had no idea, but she was wide awake now and thought she might as well make use of her time.

After dressing herself, she made her way into the kitchen, which usually the butler used, but even he was asleep. She explored the cupboards, found some ingredients along with some pots and pans, and set to work making breakfast for Elliott.

“I hope you don’t mind me using your space, Kunkurra,” Mary called out when she heard the back door opening and closing behind her. “I woke early for some reason, and I thought Elliott might like it if I brought him breakfast. You can go back to bed for a little while, if you’d like.”

She turned around to gauge the servant’s reaction, since she knew he wouldn’t vocalise a response, and to her surprise she realised that it wasn’t Kunkurra at all, but Samuel Bloome.

“Oh, Mr Bloome! I apologise, I thought you were the butler. What are you doing up so early? And - in my kitchen?”

“I’ve always been an early riser,” Bloome replied casually, his hands behind his back as he looked around the kitchen. “As for my coming here, I saw you through the windowpane and was curious why a lady such as yourself would be at work in the kitchen.”

“Well, as I said, I thought I’d make Elliott some breakfast. I don’t often wake before him, so it’s a nice treat.”

“And what are you making?” Bloome asked, stepping closer to her to peer at her worktop.

“Nothing much. Some eggs, bacon, sausage - oh, I should get some bread out! He likes toasted bread with his breakfast. Coffee, too, but I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure how to make it. I may wait for the butler to make that.”

“Your devotion to your husband is incredible.”

“Don’t tell him I told you, but the tough gunslinger act is just a façade. He’s really the sweetest man in the world. He does so much for me… I like to do what I can in return.”

“You say you met in London - how did you meet, exactly?”

Mary glanced nervously at Bloome, who had lifted himself to sit on an empty countertop as if he were as comfortable here as in his own home.

“Oh, um… I suppose it’s not uncommon knowledge, as the whole station knows, but Elliott’s not my first husband. My late husband was Elliott’s cousin — the one whose estate Elliott came to London to execute. He came to my house to introduce himself, I offered him a place to stay… we ended up spending a lot of time together, and we fell in love, so we married, sold my late husband’s estate, and I came back to Australia with him.”

“You left London behind for him?”

“Well, I had nothing left, you see,” Mary explained as she carefully lifted the cooked eggs onto a plate. “My family are gone, then I lost my husband too… all I had was the estate, and I knew if I stayed there alone I’d be hounded with suitors itching for my late husband’s estate. There - I think I’ve done a rather good job, if I say so myself!”

Mary looked proudly at the plate, and she thought honestly that each piece of food was cooked just to Elliott’s liking.

“Such a good wife you are,” said Bloome.

There was something strange in the way he spoke that gave Mary pause, as if there were some veiled threat behind it. She glanced at him and was discomforted by the way he was looking at her, as if one wrong move from her might cause him to do something rash.

“Yes, well, I - I’ll be taking this to Elliott now before it gets cold. A pleasure to talk to you, Mr Bloome - do make sure to say goodbye before you leave this morning.”

With a quick curtsy, Mary left the kitchen with the plate of food, some cutlery and a glass of orange juice on a tray.

She entered the bedroom to find Elliott was half awake, stirring in bed, perhaps just realising she wasn’t there.

“Good morning, my love. I thought you might like some breakfast in bed today.”

Elliott sat up groggily and looked over at her, smiling when he saw her and his eyes widening when he spotted the tray of food.

“For me, darling?”

“Of course, who else? I woke before you and thought I might make you some breakfast as a treat.”

Elliott sat himself up in bed, and Mary thought it incredibly endearing the way his hair stood up from the night’s sleep. She placed the tray over his lap, and Elliott stared at it in wonder.

“Mary, this is so thoughtful. Thank you. Did you make this all yourself?”

“Yes, so if anything’s wrong the blame’s all mine; I don’t believe Kunkurra is even awake yet. Although I think I managed to match the way you like it.”

Elliott cut a piece of bacon, dipped it in the egg yolk, and tasted it. He closed his eyes and sighed a mmph of approval.

“It’s perfect, darling. A perfect breakfast from a perfect wife. What more could I ask for?”

“A napkin to wipe the egg from your face?” Mary giggled when she saw that some of the yolk had clung to her husband’s moustache. She took a napkin from the tray and gently dabbed at his face.

“You couldn’t kiss it off?” he suggested with a smile.

“I don’t want to kiss you with egg on your face! I like to taste you, not some egg yolk, no matter how perfectly I cooked it. There. Only one mouthful, and you’re already getting it caught in your moustache! You need a trim, El.”

“Hm, yes, I suppose,” Elliott said thoughtfully, stroking his face to feel the length of the hair. “I’ll have a shave later. First, I need to eat this delicious breakfast before it gets cold.”

“Alright. I’ll leave you to it, darling.”

Mary kissed him on the cheek, then left to seek out her own breakfast.

She had the butler bring her some fresh fruits and instructed him not to bother himself with Elliott’s breakfast, only to bring him some coffee. She sat on the porch in the morning sun, picking through her plate of fruit as she watched the rest of the station gradually wake up and start working.

Near the gates, Samuel Bloome’s horse was tied up, waiting for its owner to saddle up to ride back to his own land. A boy was loading the horse with supplies, and Mary wondered to herself if Elliott ought to hire a boy for running messages and helping out with the animals.

Her mind wandered to her brother Tommy, who was also in Australia somewhere, working away the sentence her first husband had imposed. She had wondered if she might see him in Australia, but when she expressed this to Elliott on their departure from London, he told her in the kindest words he had that London could fit into Australia over four thousand times and the likelihood of bumping into her brother was slim.

Elliott’s porch purposely had a vantage point over the entire station, and so Mary had a clear view of Bloome as he came striding out of the lodge, dressed ready for travel.

“Taylor! Are those horses ready yet?”

Mary’s heart jumped in surprise. At first she thought he had been addressing her, but then she realised that was silly, not least because there was no way Bloome would even know her maiden name, let alone use it. He was clearly talking to the boy, who by coincidence shared her last name - or perhaps it was his first name.

The boy spoke quieter than Bloome and he was too far for Mary to hear, but she surmised from the way he moved towards the stables that he was going to ready his own horse.

Mary smiled to herself as she remembered her escapades with Elliott in the stables last night — then, with a spike of fear to her heart, she realised she remembered Elliott taking her bloomers off and throwing them to the side… but she didn’t recall putting them back on.

She jumped up quickly and walked quickly to catch up with the boy, hoping she could find a way to locate and hide her discarded bloomers without him noticing — that was, if none of the men had found them already. How embarrassing if they were to be found by anyone other than her husband!

Fortunately, when Mary entered the stable, she saw that the boy was attending to a horse near the entrance, the opposite end to where she and Elliott had snuck off to last night.

“Do you need some help with your horse? I’m quite good with them, you know,” Mary said to the boy, hoping that if she assisted him he’d leave sooner and give her a chance to search for her bloomers.

The boy turned around, and his eyes widened.

“Mary?”

She almost admonished him for calling her by her first name, but then she really looked at him, and she let out a shocked squeak.

“Tommy?”

Could it really be him? He was taller, his strong frame almost indistinguishable from the skinny boy she’d last seen in the back of a prison carriage. She’d not recognised him from behind - but now, seeing his face up close, Mary knew her baby brother even after two years of labour in the Australian desert.

She rushed forward and took him in her arms, both of them laughing at the incredulity of the situation, neither having expected to see the other so far from home — Tommy, particularly, had no reason to believe his sister was even on the same continent.

“Oh, Tom, you’re so tall!” Mary gushed, finally releasing him from their tight embrace to look at him properly. “And so strong - you almost winded me! And brown too - have you been protecting yourself from the sun properly? Sun sickness can kill, you know.”

“Yes, mum,” Tommy said with a roll of his eyes. He couldn’t believe that his sister had appeared suddenly out here - and was immediately nagging him! “But I don’t understand - what are you doing in Australia, and here of all places?”

“Well, in fact I —”

“There you are!” Elliott’s voice interrupted her as he entered the stable, apparently looking for one or both of them. He glanced between the two of them, frowning when he saw Mary was holding Tommy’s hands in hers. “Am I interrupting?”

“No, sir,” Tommy said quickly, dropping his hands and ducking his head.

“Oh, Tommy, don’t be silly. Elliott, you won’t believe it — you’ll remember I told you about my brother?”

“The one my cousin transported? Yes, I remember.”

He glanced at Tommy with a frown.

“Do you mean to say this is him?”

“Yes!” Mary beamed, putting a hand around Tommy’s shoulder proudly. “He must be working his sentence with Mr Bloome!”

Elliott looked at Tommy questioningly. “Is that right, boy?”

“Y - yes, sir,” Tommy mumbled, his eyes nervously fixed on the floor. “I’ve worked for the Bloome family since I arrived, sir.”

Elliott folded his arms and looked at Tommy appraisingly.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you.”

Tommy raised his chin to look at Elliott, albeit with great reluctance. Elliott looked at him thoughtfully, then seemed to decide something with himself because he nodded and looked back at Mary.

“Darling, we should say goodbye to Bloome.”

“Yes, of course. Tommy, do you need a hand with your horse?”

“No need,” Elliott said dismissively. “Leave the horse for now. Both of you, come with me.”

Curious, Mary and Tommy followed Elliott back outside to where Bloome was waiting with his horse, leaning against a fence post and smoking a cigarette.

“Where’s your horse, Taylor?” Bloome asked, but Elliott held up a hand.

“I’ll keep the horse. And I’ll keep the boy.”

Mary had to stop herself from gaping at Elliott. Bloome scoffed incredulously.

“Oh, you will, will you? He’s a good lad, and the horse too. Why would I give them to you?”

Elliott put his hands in his pockets casually.

“Oh, you won’t. You’ll sell them to me.”

Bloome narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

“And how much am I selling them for?”

“Name your price. I’ve got gold.”

“So do I, plenty of it. Strong, hardworking boys like Taylor here are few and far between. I’m afraid I’ll need something a bit more valuable than some gold.”

Mary didn’t like the way Bloome was looking at her.

“I’ve got plenty of good men here,” Elliott replied. “Take your pick. Except Dobkin, I like him.”

“Oh, it’s not a man I want,” Bloome said with a hungry look in his eye. He stepped towards Mary predatorially, his eyes fixed on her. “I want your wife.”

Mary took a step back instinctively; both Elliott and Tommy took a step towards her protectively.

“Absolutely not,” Elliott snarled.

Bloome shrugged. “You’re the one desperate to buy, Marston. Why you want my boy and his horse so bad, I don’t know, but you said to name my price and I’ve named it. I want her.”

Elliott’s hand twitched near his gun.

“Mary is not chattel to be bartered with, Bloome. She’s the one who wants the boy, not me - trading them would defeat the point.”

“Not a trade, then. A… loan, let’s call it. An hour would do.”

Bloome didn’t specify exactly what he meant to do with this hour, but he didn’t need to. Mary knew. They all did.

“You really think I would whore my wife out to you, Bloome?” Elliott growled.

“Those are my terms,” Bloome said smugly, clearly revelling in the fact that he held all the cards. “Take it or leave it.”

Mary grabbed Elliott’s hand before it could twitch any closer to his gun.

“It’s okay, El,” she said quietly. “It… it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve exchanged my body for Tommy’s safety.”

Elliott turned to face her, his eyes dark with anger.

“And I swore you’d never have to do something like that again,” he said through gritted teeth.

“You also swore you’d let me make my own choices.”

“And you’d choose this? To - to whore yourself out to this bastard? No. I won’t allow it, Mary.”

“But Tommy —”

“Will stay with us. But I will pay the price, not you.”

Bloome scoffed. “Respectfully, Marston, you’re not my type.”

In a split second, Elliott had pulled his hand from Mary’s grip, and his revolver was out, the trigger pulled, and Bloome cried out in pain and shock as a bullet lodged itself in his knee. He fell to the floor, clutching the bleeding limb, and Elliott just laughed.

“Go and get the butler,” Mary said to Tommy urgently. “Tell him a man’s been shot. He’ll know what to do.”

Tommy nodded, then set off running to Elliott’s house. Mary turned back to her husband, who was now standing over Bloome, his gun still in his hand as he watched the other man writhing in pain.

“Stop crying, you’ll be fine,” Elliott taunted him. “I could have killed you, but then I’d have to dispose of the body, and I can’t be bothered with the effort for a pathetic worm like you.”

Mary knew she should be frightened, and perhaps in some way she was, but she also found it extremely arousing to see Elliott so strong, so powerful, so clever — and all to protect her honour.

Kunkurra came hurrying over with his usual kit to patch up gunshot wounds. Without questioning what had happened, the servant knelt down by Bloome and began working on patching up the leg. Bloome wailed as the bullet was fished out of his flesh, and Elliott just rolled his eyes.

He turned back to Mary and Tommy, and his expression softened.

“Tommy, get your belongings and head to the men’s quarters. There’ll be a spare bed for you in there. Mary - come with me, let’s get you inside. We’ve had enough excitement for one morning, don’t you think?”

Tommy obeyed, and Elliott put a hand on Mary’s back to escort her back to the house.

“Do you think that was a good idea?” Mary asked, her voice low so as not to be overheard. “You might have just made a powerful enemy, Elliott.”

Elliott scoffed. “He said it himself, Mary, he’s a man of letters, not a fighter. We’ve nothing to fear from him.”

“Bulwer-Lytton said the pen is mightier than the sword.”

“And Marston said the gun can shoot the pen and the sword out of a man’s hands before he has a chance to lift them.”

Mary laughed. Only Elliott would refer to himself as if he were some great poet.

“I’m serious, El. Don’t let your confidence be your downfall. I - I don’t want to lose you.”

Elliott paused as they entered the house. He turned to Mary and took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips to kiss them gently.

“I promise, you’re not losing me.”

“Swear it?”

“On my mother’s grave.”

Mary smiled, and Elliott’s heart softened just to see that sweet smile he loved so much.

“Now, let’s give Bloome some gold for Tommy and send him on his way. I’m sure you and Tommy have plenty of catching up to do, hm?”

Mary beamed.

“You’ll really keep him?”

Elliott kissed the top of her head gently, and she practically melted into his gentle touch. How could a man so fierce and terrifying be so kind and gentle?

“Of course I will, darling. I know how much you love him. And I hope you know how much I love you.”

Mary looked up at him, her eyes wide and adoring.

“I love you too, Elliott. With all my heart.”

[thecapricunt1616]

The Bear & His Honey - Lucky 13

♡ Chapter Inspo:  Lyrics; "You are in Love" (Taylors Version) “You understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars, and why I’ve spent my whole life trying to put it into words.”

♡ Summary: Carmy is filling in on 'The Jimmy Kimmel Show' for a sick guest that couldn't come, He stumbles in to Winnie's absolute favorite person- and is able to treat her to a night she won't ever forget.

♡ W/C: 24,019

♡ Posted Date: 03/13/2024

♡ A/N: Welcome to Lucky 13! I wanted to give you all a taste of what Carm+Winnie will be at some point. This chapter will have very little angst, & have mostly sickeningly sweet fluffy goodness! This is set at least 1.5 years in the future from the last chapter. This is kinda a “one shot” in a way, in the TB&HH Universe, I have been thinking of this chapter for a while, and it would make my heart sing for Carmy to have a night out with his favorite people & get to relax, and just be in love. Also- in this, Carmy has been attending group weekly, and learning more so how to express his feelings. I’m also excited to show my idea of how Carm would show a big romantic gesture like the one in this chapter, and just overall make himself feel really proud for showing Winnie how much she means to him. Also-  alot of things in this chapter (french speaking, JKS interview, etc) will make sense very soon!!! I just- it's too cute not to include hahahah I hope you enjoy this chapter :)) Also, the way while editing (I'm listening to TS obvi) - but genuinely as i'm editing them talking about the different songs- they were COMING ON SHUFFLEEEE!! That woman is a WITCH i tell you

♡ Warnings for BTC: Smut, Swearing - 'tis all *** Any dialogue that has ( ) after, is translation from French to English!! :) ***

➵ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 ♡

➵ 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 ♡

If you like this story, please click #TB&HHPoll in the tags, & vote on the questions asked <3

𝒞𝒶𝓇𝓂'𝓈 𝒫.𝒪.𝒱.🧸

“Okay-okay baby- ask them!” I plead, Winnie gave me her adorable little frisky grin. 

“Ours... vous savez si vous êtes nerveux, ils peuvent le dire, et vous vous sentirez embarrassé après- respirer à treize pour votre Miel, s’il vous, plaît…?” -  (Bear... you know if you're nervous, they can tell, and you'll feel embarrassed after- breathe to thirteen for your Honey, please...)

She put her hand on my cheek and I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and silently counting to 13, taking a deep breath every odd number I counted in my mind, just like she’d taught me. 

“C'est mon bon garçon…Mon sexy homme…” (That’s my good boy…my sexy man…) she said gently as I exhaled. 

“Now, like we said, imagine it’s me asking you all these stupid questions, they won’t go off script, Ours (Bear)! Ils ont promise qu’ils ne le feront pas (they promised they wouldn’t).. S’you just have to say the exact same answers we rehearsed the last two weeks, oui?” She cupped my cheeks, stroking my cheekbones gently with her thumbs. 

“Oui,” I whisper. “me poser leur première question” (Ask me the first question), I muttered nervously, relishing in the feeling of her cool fingers against my hot cheeks, giving me at least a small sense of relief. 

Thankfully - When being asked to be a fill-in guest on The Jimmy Kimmel Show -  they'd prepped me- us- with questions they’d be asking, so I wasn’t a blubbering mess on live tv. 

“So, Carmen, you are notorious in the kitchen industry, for calling all of your back of-house staff - Chef, as a term of endearment, or- furthermore a term of respect… Now that you’re so widely known at least in the Chicago area- but even more so the greater North America region, as being a very widely appreciated Chef, “ she giggled adorably, looking at me through her lashes before continuing. 

“Does everyone that recognizes you on the street, and call you by your title of Chef? Maybe…Executive Chef Carmen? Do they treat you differently?” She asked with a cheeky grin.

I held back the urge to tease and joke with her, clearing my throat and trying to remember the answer we’d come up with together. 

“Yes, Chef” I joked, giving her a playful smirk. “I notice when we- er- fuck sorry baby-“ I shook my head, looking at my lap nervously, biting the inside of my lip, squeezing her thigh. 

“Ours” (Bear) she said softly, stroking the back of my hand the way that made my heart thump so hard it felt like it’d jump out of my chest, and I look up at her, my eyes bouncing between the freckles on her cheeks, every other thought dissolving like sand through my fingers. 

“Allez, Ours, Tu vas y’ arriver.” (C’mon, Bear, You got this) she whispered, squeezing my hand assuringly. 

 I cleared my throat, newfound confidence due to her belief I could nail this coursing through me. 

“My girl and I,”  I continued confidently, “ “When we go out, especially in Chicago, or The City, but really any big city- people are more apt to give me a table if I call, So…She calls most of the time- and when we get there…the Exec. usually comes out to greet me after we’re settled, and tell me the meals no charge, but- My girl and I like a true experience, she keeps me honest” I leaned forward, pecking her lips gently and she smiles wide. 

“Coeur faible connard” (soft-hearted asshole) she teased gently, mushing her nose with mine sweetly before stealing another kiss. 

“Sorry-“ I pulled away teasingly “So…I shouldn’t offer a kiss to the host? Ce serait trop, bien?” (it’d be too much, right?) I joked and she rolled her eyes, grabbing my collar and pulling me back to her lips- kissing me hungrily. 

“These lips are mine. Only mine” she mumbles before kissing me again. I smiled into her lips, rubbing my hands down her hips and squeezing the flesh beneath her dress gently. 

“Mmm- baby” I pull away gently. “They said 15 minutes 4 minutes ago, I’gotta get mic’d.” I rest my forehead on hers and she cupped my cheeks, planting gentle sweet kisses all over my face. 

“Remember” she said between various smooches over my face. “I’ll be in the first row” more kisses “5th seat from the left” kiss, kiss, kiss - “look at me if you get scared ” - kiss, kiss - “I’m with you the whole time.” One final lingering, sweet kiss on my lips. “You’re goin’ out there to kick ass and take names, Bear. Nos âmes sont toujours liées ensemble…” (Remember that our souls are always tied together…)

“Right” I said softly, looking up at her, memorizing each freckle adorning her cheeks for the millionth time. “Bien, Nos âmes sont à jamais liées, Chérie.” (Right, our souls are bound forever, Sweetheart.)  I said lovingly, playing with the ends of her auburn curls between my nervous fingers.

She leans in, barely brushing my lips. “What do we say?” She whispers, so close her lips catch mine as she spoke. 

“Laisse-le déchirer” (Let it rip) I said softly into her lips before kissing her passionately.

“Oui, Mon Ours. Laisse-le déchirer” (Yes, My Bear, Let it rip.)  She said softly when she pulled away, gently running her knuckle over the veins of my neck, the action she only did while utterly exhausted, overly horny, or unable to mess with my hair. 

“Je t’aime, mon miel” (I love you, my Honey)  I whispered softly into her skin, feeling her gently rub over my back with her nails. 

“Fais confiance en ton instincts et lâches-vous, Ours.” (Trust your instincts, and let go, Bear) She said softly into my ear. 

I swallow tightly, racking over my brain through all the French she’d taught me- coming up blank, other instincts, and my own name. 

“Mon instincts en bon pour votre ours?”  (My instincts are good for your Bear?) I questioned softly, kissing her collarbone gently. 

She giggles, “Trust your instincts- Fais confiance en ton instincts- And let go- et lâches-vous, Mon Ours.” (My Bear)  She kisses my forehead sweetly 

I swallowed thickly, nodding a bit and looking up at her through my lashes. 

“Je te promets…Je vais suivre mon instincts”  (I promise you…I’ll follow my instincts) I mutter into her skin as she gently strokes my cheek, my eyes fluttering shut at the soft touch. 

“Je crois en toi, Mon Ours. Je crois en toi.” (I believe in you, My bear, I believe in you.) she whispered, rubbing soothing circles into my back. 

“Tu me fais croire en moi, mon miel.” (You make me believe in myself, my honey) I kiss her neck gently and there was a soft tap at the door.

“Come In?” I said, the door creaking open a bit.

Were interrupted by a short brunette in a black T-Shirt and jeans, wearing a stage headset. “Mr.Berzatto, you’re live in 15 minutes…we need to get you mic’d - we can have a stage manager take your…wife…down to the family and friends section, her seat’s been reserved” A bright blush came to my cheeks at the assumption.

“Je crois en toi, Mon Ours” (I believe in you, my bear). Winnie said, getting off my lap and smoothing her dress down.

I gently tug down the hem of her dress out of habit, “Merci miel. Je t'aime tellement bébé. Je te chercherai, oui ?” (Thank you honey, I love you so much, baby. I’ll be looking for you, yeah?) I said, smoothing out the silky fabric over her bum and she nods, smiling big. 

“Si tu fais le bien ce soir, je te laisserai m’avoir comme tu veux, Mon Sexy Chef Italien…” (If you do well tonight, I’ll let you have me any way you want, my sexy Italian Chef…) she whispered in my ear and my eyebrows raised, firey goosebumps rising from my neck to my ankles. 

“Mmmm- Oui? Petit diable sexy…” (Yeah? Sexy little devil…) I said softly into her neck, patting her bum gently. “Tu dois juste bien te tenir une heure, bebe, être une bonne fille - Je serai alors vôtre, mon monde” (You only have to behave for an hour, baby, then I’m all yours- my world.) 

She giggles, pulling away, “Not whore baby, say it like Taylor- say era” she said and my cheeks heat.

“Vraiment Bebe? Maintenant? Cours de français?” (Really Baby? French lessons? Now?) I ask as I rolled my eyes slightly, a smirk dancing on my lips. 

“Très bien, pas maintenant. Laisse-le déchirer, Mon Ours.” (Fine, not now, let it rip, Bear) she said, tucking her purse under her arm and I actually roll my eyes.

“Pas maintenant?” (Not now?) I huff frustratedly, again not understanding the new word.

“Seigneur! Vous avez besoin d’une leçon de Français, cela signifiait - ‘ not now’ - Dork.” (Jesus! You need a French lesson, I said - ‘Fine, not now’ - Dork!) she pinched my cheek gently.

“God, je vous aime tellement.” (God, I love you so much.) I kiss her lips tenderly. The woman at the door clears her throat.

“Mr.Berzatto…sorry to interrupt, but you’re live in 13 minutes and-” Winnie cuts her off.

“and where is my escort?” She chirps with a friendly smile, turning around on the ball of her foot to face her.

“Uh- Sorry- they…Um…gimme a second” she quickly turned, walking down the hall briskly. 

“Ahhh” Winnie said, plopping back in my lap comfortably. “Nous avons maintenant le temps pour une leçon de français, Ours!” (Now we have time for a French lesson, Bear!) she chirps and looks back at me. 

I snort through my nose, “Tu as vu à quelle vitesse ils se….” (You saw how quickly they…) I try to think of the word, looking up at the ceiling and biting my lip. “se déplacer!!! Se déplacer ici, bébé” (Move!!! Move around here, baby.) I smile proudly and pat her side. “Tu vois, je peux être intelligent!” (See, I can be smart!).

“Mmm, je savais que tu es intelligent, mais nous devons travailler à renforcer ce triste ego, Ours” (Mmm, I knew you're smart, but we must work on strengthening that sad ego, Bear) she said and I crinkle my eyebrows, sad ego was all I really understood.

“Je comprends - ‘ l’ego intelligent, et triste ‘ – mais que signifie - ‘nous devons…ahhh- travailler? pour nous renforcer’?” (I understand the smart, and sad ego- but what does ‘we must work on … ahh - our confidence?’ mean?) I question, squeezing her waist gently. I knew she’d only give a proper lesson, if I was responding to her questions in French with what I knew.

“Ahhhh, Bon Ours ! 'nous devons travailler’ est ‘we must work’, ‘à renforcer ce’ est ‘to strengthen this’ “ (Ahhhh, Good Bear! We must work, to strengthen this) She said, pleased with my answer. I pat her hip gently, happy with the praise i’d earned.

“Tu es ma force Chérie…Mon tout” (You’re my strength, Honey...My everything)  I said resting my forehead on hers. She puckered her lips and I lean in, giving her a sweet kiss.

“Hi! Mr.Berzatto- you’re on in 9, Mrs.Berzatto, I’m here to escort you to your seat.” A small blonde, dressed in the same black T-Shirt and Jeans the last person to interrupt us was. 

“Je t'aime ours, souviens-toi de ce que dit Mikey” (I love you Bear, remember what Mikey would say) she said sweetly, getting up and pecking my lips. 

I smiled softly, giving her one of the first lines she’d taught me in response. “On se reverra bientôt, bébé” (Meet again soon, baby). She smiled proudly, squeezing my hand before heading off with the blonde. 

The brunette girl returned not to shortly after, connecting a mic under my shirt right below my throat, and leading me through the corridors. As we head down the hall, I heard an all too familiar laugh… Not one that I’d heard personally, but one that I’d heard hundreds of times while falling asleep on Winnies TV or her phone. 

I stopped dead in my tracks, my head snapping towards the door that the sound came from. ‘JKS - SPECIAL GUEST - TAS ‘ A plain sheet of printer paper that was taped to the door read. 

I blink a few times, reading over the paper 5 times, eyes almost popping out of my skull - TAS. 

I reach out, grabbing the shoulder of the woman escorting me backstage. “T-A-S?!” I whisper shout at her. She quickly got the message. 

“Oh- you didnt know” she said stupidly, looking at the door then me. 

“I have to meet her” I whispered, a plan forming quickly in my mind. She smiled and nodded, looking at her watch. 

“If she wants to meet you, sure, but you got a max of 4 minutes.” she said casually and my jaw drops. 

That worked?!

I nodded quickly in response, trying to find words that wouldn’t embarrass Winnie, as she steps forward much too casually for my taste, and just knocks on the door.

“It’s unlocked!” the same voice I knew all too well calls and she looks at me, extending her hand towards the door. 

“Shes a real sweetheart, but super chatty, so like I said- y’get four minutes.” she said and I swallowed thickly, fuck, I am supposed to open the dressing room door to the most famous popstar on Earth?! If I offend her, Winnie will absolutely break up with me. 

I took a deep breath, looking at her momentarily before twisting the door handle. Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion, my heart was in my throat.

Jesus Christ, I don’t fuckin care about this girl, I just care I make sure Winnie and Sadie have a seat at her show tomorrow night. 

She looks up as the door opens, blue eyes meeting mine. “Oh! Hey! You’re that guy getting interviewed? The chef,right? My boyfriend has been dying to try your restaurant! He just hates asking for favors, so he hasn’t called to rent it out- I hear you’re super awesome! Oh my god- so sorry. I’m Taylor, it’s nice to meet you!” she said casually, sticking her hand out for me to shake. 

It took insane amounts of casualty to not allow my jaw to fully unhinge at the sight of her. Winnie was right- she doesn’t edit her pictures - shes tall as fuck - shes like.. Taller then me?

I clear my throat, standing up a bit straighter, trying to find some semblance of self-control. “Yup- thats me, Carmen, Uh- Carmen Berzatto” I shake her hand, “Yeah- uh- wow….means alot, he’s on the uh- The Chiefs right?” I asked and she nods, smiling.

“Yup! Travis, I just sing- he’s so awesome, He loves Italian food even more than the field I think, ever since he saw that podcast you were on he's been stalking your menu! ” she giggled and I raised my eyebrows. She just sings?

“Uh- my girlfriend…Yeah- yeah…I don’t wanna embarrass her, but uh- Y’know, I could totally give you and your boyfriend any night you could possibly want, like-  the whole restaurant, just you guys- me and my right hand will personally make your meals - fully on the house, If you’d do me like…..one little favor-but it’s… it’s fine- if not…” I said and she stands a bit straighter.

“I love helping, what can I do?” she grins. Why the fuck does she seem so normal…and nice aren’t popstars supposed to be bitchy mean-girls that would’ve made fun of me in high school?

“my girlfriend- she like…worships you- fuck - not like a weird way - you just like…inspire her? Like? Alot- Your songs, uh- fuck- hold on…Fearless, I know thats one… uh- Sparks Fly? Oh! That one too um with the guitar...Mine? I think? And then- Oh! The Archer - she loves that one, and then I only know 2 others she really likes - sad ones….Bon Iver? With that dude” I questioned and she nods 

“Mmhmm! I think…Exile and Evermore” she nods and I snap.

“Thats it! Those ones- those are like…she loves you- she’s been…she’s been trying to get tickets for her and her best friend to your New York show this weekend since you announced it, she- fuck- she’d kill me if she knew I told you, but she’s cried because she didn’t get the tickets, shes been trying so hard and-”

“How many?” said the ginger sat next to her on the couch that was silent until now, and simply pretending I wasnt there while tapping away on a laptop. I look at her, slightly taken back it was that easy to convince her? Them both?!

“Uh-” I think for a moment- just fuckin send it, Carmen. If you’re gonna ask for a favor- ask for a damn favor. “F-Five? Like- f’me, and her, and - and she wants her best friend there, a-and-” the redhead interrupts me again.

“Done, Left of the diamond good? Second row? There is no row one” she questions 

“Gosh Tree! Can you let him talk? Sorry about her, shes a time freak” Taylor scolds, looking back at me, “We would love to have you there, and I’d totally like to talk to your girlfriend when me and Trav decide to come by- she sounds super cool!” she said as the brunette tugged at my sleeve.

“Mr.Berzatto, sorry- 3 minutes till you’re live, we have to go.” she said and I nod.

“Thank you- Uh, Taylor,” What the fucking shit- I’ve stared at this woman nearly every night on Winnies phone screen - now shes just here , in front of me?!

“Course! Super excited to try out your restaurant- Tree will call” she said as the brunette woman tugs my sleeve harder, dragging me out the door. 

Suddenly, I got the urge to tell her the thought that had been swarming in my head whenever we watched her tour movie for the past year. Even though we’d already were headed down the hall, her dressing room was still wide open so she’d hear me.

“The way you set up the ‘Tolerate It’ song is awesome, the whole performance is super touching- You have a great voice!!! But you kinda remind me of our cat when you knock the stuff off the table! Also- erm- f’r Winnie since she’d kill me if I didn’t say- Play Sparks Fly, And Mine- and Evermore all the way, please.” I called to her quickly as I was dragged away down the hal by the brunettel, hearing Taylor laugh loudly in response, causing a blush to form on my cheeks. 

Winnie would be beyond pleased to know I got her to laugh.

“Done! And Thank you, Chef! I love Cats!!!” she called after us and I smiled wide. 

“I know, Winnie told me! She loves Law and Order too! Olivia is a great name, my Niece is named Olivia!” I call back and I heard her laugh again.

 What the actual fuck- Taylor Swift?! I just spoke to Taylor Swift!? Why do I feel…Starstruck? Jesus Christ I owe Richie for telling me to pack Winnie’s special concert bodysuit she's been working on forever just in case I found tickets for them. 

“Here’s Berzatto sorry hes late- Main act wanted to talk to him- he’s live in 45” the brunette told the large guy she’d dropped me off in front of. 

He quickly checks me over, adjusting my jacket without asking, and rolling over my sleeve quickly with a lint roller and strapping a mic pack to my back under my jacket, quickly connecting it to the wire under my shirt. “On your name, wave, smile, walk” he said.

“Alright We have Berzatto comin’ out- Live in 5, 4, 3, 2” he said into his headset, backing away from me quickly and the curtain started to draw.

My eyes dart over the crowd, the lights were blinding, music started and my mind swarms.

What the literal fuck- what the fuck - Wheres Honey? - I just met Taylor Swift? I'm about to be on live TV - Don’t fuck this up, be like Mikey, listen to Winnie - Breathe to 13. 

My thoughts continued to race as the my eyes adjusted to the lights that were revealed from behind the curtain. “And Welcome Chicagos Favorite Chef- Carmen Berzatto! “ Jimmy said and just like the man ordered a few moments prior, On my name I started heading towards the arm chair, smiling and waving at the live audience as I was told. 

By the time I’d shook his hand and sat down, I felt numb- The answers to the questions Winnie and I had drilled to my head, swarming like an angry swarm of bees. 

“So, if you don’t know Carmen, Hes a Chef Prodigy from Chicago- he has two Michelin stars and isn’t even 30 as of yet, he has won the James Beard foundation award for up-and-coming chef as well as took home the award for the best new restaurant, all while he’s only been in the industry less than ten years,”

He continued talking as I scanned for Winnie. When I finally settled on her face I relax a bit, being able to think. She smiles wide when our eyes meet, blowing me kisses and waving excitedly. I couldn’t contain my smile as I look back over at him. 

“So, Carmen, Welcome, we’ve been told you’ve never done a live interview before - but you have been to plenty of award shows, you’ve been on red carpets, done podcasts over the past year- and I must say, on behalf of the public- you are one snappy dresser, please, tell us about the suit” he said and I chuckled a bit. 

“Yeah- thank you again for having me, It’s different being in front of a live audience but I’m honored to have even gotten the invite. But, uh- I really like Calvin Klein, their suits are just fantastic. My uh- my girlfriend though she’s the one who usually picks out my outfits for stuff like this, I trust er more then myself a lot of the time.” I said, my eyes finding hers again and she mouths an ‘I love you!’ Holding a hand heart up for me causing me to smile bigger. 

“Thats right! We have your girlfriend here Winnie is it?” He asked and my cheeks go pink I thought they promised they wouldn’t go off script?! 

“Yeah! Winnie,I could talk about her forever - she’s uh…she’s really special.” My eyes find hers again to see her blowing me more kisses. My heart flutters wildly she’s so perfect. 

“I assure you, my wife dresses me too i’m sure most of our male guests are dressed by their women” He chuckles, getting a laugh from the crowd. “So tell us,” he continued “You had won the ‘Best New Restaurant’ last year at the James beard awards, congratulations on that!” he said and he and the crowd clap, the teleprompter putting up a picture of The Bear that we had on our website to show us it would be on screen. 

“Now, i’d assume you get special treatment whenever you take the missus for a date night out on the town, right?” He asks and I chuckle, nodding a bit. 

“Right, right - so uh when I call especially around Chicago I mean” I shrug “most of the Execs are my peers so - of course we’re gonna get a table pretty easy. But I was actually surprised when we came back to the city this only the second time I’ve been back since I left to uh, head back home t’Chicago and open The Bear, but when my girl and I were out a few nights ago, we were just walkin around Soho cause she loves shopping and I love to spoil her even more of course,” I said, earning a few ‘aw’ sounds from the crowd “and we pass this group of guys, and one of em just goes ‘Yo! Sup Chef’ and I turned around cause I thought y’know- I’d know them from culinary school or one of my old gigs, and he just goes ‘Dude your hot ones interview was insane you’re a beast’ and ahh I didn’t really know what to say I’ve never been like recognized like that before” I said and he nods with a chuckle.

“Speaking of your Hot Ones interview- that has blown up since you’d done it 4 months ago- it’s currently sitting at 17 million views, You’d filmed that here in the City, So in New York do they usually give you a table? Give you free meals all that like back in Chicago?” He questions. 

“Well I like to try and keep it fair, fair as I can that is. So my girl, she calls up for us, usually puts the table under her name. But uh- yeah, yeah. We do get treated nice, they’ll bring out new stuff for us to try or give us a nice bottle of wine, which is great cause honey is a big red wine lover” I said my eyes flicking to her to see she was blushing, a wide proud smile plastered along her features, bringing a heat to my cheeks. 

After the interview was over, I was escorted back to my dressing room and found an envelope waiting for me at the dressing table. I walked over and opened it, taking out five row 2 tickets for tomorrow nights Taylor show. 

“Holy shit” I whispered to myself, staring at them in shock. She actually got me the tickets. Does this mean she’s really gonna come by the restaurant?! Winnie’s gonna flip. Fuck- we have to get back to the hotel or with all the excitement she’s gonna be exhausted and pissy on the flight home. 

I heard my favorite thing in the world in the hallway, Winnie’s voice. I quickly tucked the tickets back in the envelope safely, and put it hidden in my inside breast pocket for safe keeping. 

“Bearrr!” Winnie said excitedly as she opened the door before rushing over to me. I wrap my arms around her tightly, picking her up and spinning her around causing her to giggle “you did amazing ours (bear) so so amazing I’m so proud of you” she kisses all over my face and I smile, closing my eyes and relishing in her praise and attention. 

“I love you baby, so much” I kiss her lips sweetly, wrapping her legs around my hips and hiking her up further on my waist. “I missed you” I said when I pull away, kissing down her neck and over her bare shoulder. 

She giggled “I was right there, baby! The whole time” she runs her fingers through my hair and I hum at the feeling of her nails scratching that spot next to my ear. 

“Mm you weren’t in my lap though” I said and sit on the couch, my hands rubbing over her thighs and her arms, anywhere I could feel her soft, supple skin.

“Were still going to that bar right?! You deserve to celebrate baby.” She said, playing with my hair gently. I adjusted her C pendant around her neck I’d gotten her when we started officially dating, trying to think up a quick excuse, she’s gonna need a lot of sleep for tomorrow I don’t want her grumpy and tired at the concert. 

“I dunno baby…I think let’s just go back to the hotel yeah? Got up early this mornin’ wouldn’t you rather get some pizza and mozzarella sticks and watch a movie? Mm? We can cuddle? Have a nice bath?” I rub her arm and she pouted a bit. 

“Okay, can we go tomorrow though?” She asks and I nod 

“Course Mon Monde” (my world) I whisper and kiss her lips gently. 

By the time we got back to the hotel it was already midnight, and I could tell by the way she was walking her heels were hurting her badly by now on the walk up to our room. 

“Gotta get y’outta those shoes baby, y’re hips buggin’ you?” I ask, wrapping my arm securely around her waist. If I wasn’t holding the food, I’d already be carrying her. 

“Mmhmm, tired too. Glad we didn’t go out” she leans into me as the elevator doors closed and I smooched her temple. 

“Y’think I can’t tell when you’re exhausted, baby?” I teased, rubbing her side gently and she smiles. 

“Yeahhh, yeah. But we rarely get to go out, Bear. You’re too busy, I love going out with you, you’re a fun dance partner” she said looking up at me with a tired smile. 

I felt a blush creeping to my cheeks, smiling big. “I’ll only ever dance for you, my love” I kiss her forehead gently. When we got to the room, I set the boxes of food on the bed and helped her unzip her dress, grabbing her pajamas for her “get comfy princess” I told her before grabbing my grey sweatpants and white T shirt, shrugging off my jacket. 

“You look really sexy in that suit, baby. I wanna see you in suits more often, hopefully this interview will lead to more live ones…y’did so so sooo good bear, everyone was laughin’ and they really seemed t’like you” she slips off her bra, putting on my old ‘the beef’ shirt and some Nike leggings. 

“Thank you angel, it’s just really fuckin stressful” I said and started to unbutton my shirt. 

“I know, but no one is as good at handling stress then you, bear. You’re strong. Mon gros ours fort” (my big strong bear) she comes over, untucking my shirt and unbuttoning it the rest of the way. “Mmm you’re lucky there’s pizza waiting and I hate when it’s cold” she kisses down my neck while rubbing her hands over my bare chest and I smile, rubbing her back gently, caressing over the scar on her hip with my thumb. 

“Tu es une vilaine petit fille” (you are such a naughty little girl) I spank her gently and she giggles, looking up at me with those fuckin bedroom eyes she always did. 

“je suis ta petite pute, chef” (I’m your little whore, chef) she said, leaning in and kissing me deeply. I chuckle softly in to her mouth, squeezing her bum. 

“Tu as une bouche bien sale, Bebe” (you have a filthy mouth baby) I told her, brushing her curls from her in front of her eyes. “Le temps de manger ma douceur, c’est un grand” (it’s time to eat, my sweetness, you have an important day tomorrow.) I said and she raises her eyebrows. 

“What’re we doin?” She asked, sitting on the bed as told and opening the pizza box. 

“Patience, mon petit lapin” (patience, my little bunny) I smooth her hair gently and kissed the top of her head before taking off my shirt and dress pants, slipping on my pajamas before sitting down. 

“Can I get a hint?” She pleads, taking a piece of pizza out and having a bite. 

“Pas de conseils, seulement de la patience.” (No hints, only patience) I told her, grabbing a slice for myself and having a bite. 

“Je suis impressionné par ton bébé, français, as-tu étudié sans moi?” (I'm impressed by your French baby, did you study without me?) She said softly, and I furrow my brow, thinking as I chew. 

“Je sous…” (I’m under) I repeat as I think to myself, “why? Did I say something wrong?” I pout a bit, looking at her, thinking she was saying she was under impressed with my French and that I should be studying more. 

“Bebe, Je suis, suis, my love, Je, Suis” she said, sweetly. 

“Ohhhh- ohh…you are impressed, not under impressed” I smiled a bit and she rolls her eyes playfully. 

“”Mon ours n’a jamais rien fait d’autre que m'impressionner ” (my bear, never does anything but impress me.)  she strokes my cheek gently. “Mon sexy homme” (my sexy man) she whispered and gently brushed back my hair. 

I blushed more, my cheeks surely being a shade of bright red that matched hers. “Je t’aime mon gros ours sexy” she said and I smirked, knowing ‘I love you my big sexy bear’ anywhere 

“Oooo” she said happily as she opened the box of mozzarella sticks. “Oooo!!! And you got extra sauce! I love you so so much” she kisses my cheek and I chuckle. 

“You and cheese, I swear you’re half mouse sometimes” I tease and she giggled, dipping it in the sauce and taking a bite. 

“Mmmm-“ she hums before continuing “I would love to be a mouse. Would you love me still if you woke up one morning and there was a note on my pillow that a fae turned me into a mouse? Would you keep me?” She asked, dunking again and taking another bite. 

I snort, “a mouse? I mean…we couldn’t have sex anymore so that would suck, but it would be you. Wait- would you love me if you were a mouse?” I asked taking a bite of my pizza. 

“Of course- well..maybe more so because I would fully depend on you to translate for me, unless I was a mouse that could speak. In which case you’d not need a note because you’d wake up to me making a comfy little nest in your hair and I’d tell you I was a mouse and now I’d sleep on your head like Ratatouille. Ooo and during the day I could sit on your shoulder, you could carry me around in your pocket!!” She ruffles my hair playfully and I smile, shaking my head at her adorable constant need to discuss out of this world scenarios and how we’d each react to them.

“That would be very fun, well- maybe it would put off customers if they knew the head chef walks around with a mouse on his shoulder, but I wouldn’t care cause we’d get to be together all the time ma petit souris” (my little mouse)  I shrugged with a smile, taking another bite. 

She smiles proudly, gently kissing my jaw. “Ahh en francais? Quel bon garçon” (ah in French? What a good boy) she praised softly, squeezing my bicep sweetly, kissing my shoulder. “Mmm what about…” she picks her pizza back up, taking a bite and thinking for a moment “oo!! What if right now like - I just burst into glitter. Like. Poof and was gone? What would you do?” she giggled and I laughed. 

“Where did you go?! I would find you obviously, or I’d never stop looking for you. I’d give up everything and become a private investigator to find you” I shrug, poking her cheek playfully. 

“No like dead gone what if I spontaneously combusted into glitter and like- that was my death. I’m gone. Poof. Nothing more then little sparkly granules” she muses and I raise my eyebrows. 

“Dead? Well…I’d probably start sobbing and be on my hands and knees picking up every little piece to keep in a bag forever and I’d take it with me everywhere.” I said and she pouted. 

“Stop you are too sweet. I thought you were gonna be like ‘welp guess I’m gettin the vacuum out’ “ she laughs and I gasp, poking her belly. 

“The vacuum?! What - was that what your answer was gonna be?” I chuckled and she grinned wide. 

“Maaaybe. But of course I’d be kidding!!!! Ooo maybe I’d turn you in to a pretty eyeshadow.” She pecks my lips and I squeeze her cheeks with my hand gently, a pout forming on her lips at the action. 

“Y’re fuckin weird and I love it” I smooch her lips again and she giggles in to my mouth lightly. 

When we were finished eating, she took her regular spot on my lap as she scrolled through videos on her phone, giggling and sending some of them to Sadie. 

Shit. Sadie. She has to be on a fuckin plane like- now. 

I clear my throat “s’rry bunny, can you uh- I gotta go to the bathroom.” I said and she rolls off me without looking up, stretching herself out on her side of the bed. I slickly grab my phone without her noticing and go off to the bathroom, shutting the door and leaning against it. 

I found Sadie’s contact and hit dial, praying to god she was up and would see it or at least answer it if it woke her up. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding when I heard her pick up. 

“What did you do” she grumbles in to the phone, knowing that I’d usually only ever call her this late if I’d fucked up majorly and had to have her talk Winnie down from a freak out. 

“N-nothing. No- sorry f’wakin’ you- listen, I’m gonna get on Google and get you, Eva, and Richie a flight. Listen to me Sadie I can only say it once she’s probably listening you know how she is. I got tickets! 5 tickets!! Fuckin floor” I said quietly in to the phone, knowing she’d know exactly what I was talking about since every time she Winnie and I would hang out, my cellphone and laptop would both be held hostage as they forced me to scoure different Internet forums and Facebook groups trying to find tickets for them. 

“ARE YOU FUCKING ME RIGHT NOW?!?! SHES GONNA FUCKING SHIT HERSELF AND THROW UP- NO- SHES GONNA EXPLODE. HOW DID YOU FUCKING MANAGE!!” She shrieks in to the phone so loudly I had to remove it from my ear and I could still hear her perfectly. 

“Shhhhhh!! Shhh! Contain your screaming for tomorrow night - and don’t tell her she won’t be able to sleep. But fill in Richie, I’m gonna buy your flights and hotel rooms and shit and send it to you in a groupchat, and please for the love of god- if you can, go help him pack- the last time he went on a fuckin trip the jagoff took a rediculous amount of socks but somehow forgot a shirt? Just please- Eva is gonna be so torn up if he forgets something” I plead and she laughs. 

“Noted. Did you need me to go get Pooh’s shit?” She asked 

“No- wait fuck the bracelets? Her special bracelets the uh- the ones on that hand heart thing in her room. All of em - and she has a-a bucket in her closet full of em she’s been makin em every day pretty much she wants to like give em out or somethin. Put em in a bag- wait- no don’t mix them.” I said nervously fuck. Planning a concert this intense is not my forte. 

“I got it I got it. How the fuck did you secure those tickets, Carmen?” She asked 

“Bear! Bear come look come LOOK!!” Winnie squeaks from the other room “PEOPLE SAY TAYLOR WAS THE SPECIAL GUEST ON JIMMY KIMMEL TONIGHT DID YOU SEE HER BACK THERE?!” 

Fuckin shit. Leave it to Taylor’s cult to be tracking her every move. Hell- what am I saying the cults president is outside the door. 

“Gotta go” I whisper in to the phone and hung up quickly, taking a deep breath. 

“Really baby? I uh- no- no way, I’m sure that she has so much security I was on a whole other side of the building I bet.” I call back as casually as I could, my fingers shaking as I went online and finding the earliest flights I could. 

“Carmen we were sharing air.” She said, starstruck. “Sharing AIR BABE” she repeats and I laugh, some of my tension desolving. 

“Mm one step closer to meeting the leader” I teased as I quickly check out with 3 plane tickets in to JFK thank god the site had Apple Pay so I didn’t have to sneakily grab my wallet. 

“Come onnn are you almost done? I wanna snuggle” she whines and I sigh softly to myself, hiding anything from her is the absolute worst. 

“Mm a few more minutes baby” I said, calling the hotel we were staying at currently. 

“Ritz Carlton front desk, how can I help you?” The woman on the end answered. 

“Hello I- I um - I’m staying here? Like- now? A-and I am gonna be having guests come I need to add 2 rooms for tomorrow on to my reservation? I’m in room 313” I said quietly hoping Winnie couldn’t hear. 

“Oh! Alright, there are 2 rooms available on floor 3, room 388 and room 389, both have a king size bed should this suffice?” She asks. 

“Sure that’s great” I said rubbing my chin nervously. 

“And how many guests?” She asks 

“Three” I reply, hearing her type and click around on her computer. 

“And their names please.” She said. 

“Sadie Adamu, and Richie and Eva Jerimovich” I said quietly. 

“Oh ok so Adamu can you spell that?” She said and I run my hand through my hair anxiously. 

“A-d-a-m-u. And Jerimovich is J-e-r-i-m-o-v-i-c-h “ I replied, biting my lip when I hear Winnie again.

“Who’re you talkin’ to bear?” She calls. I squeeze my eyes shut 

Fuckin hell. 

“Alright! Got it all in the system, check in is at 2 pm, is there anything el-“ I cut her off

“Nope! Thanks bye” I quickly hang up the phone and took a deep breath and put my phone back in my pocket, rubbing over my face. 

“Bear?” She called again. 

I opened the bathroom door and see her laying cuddled up in a ball on my side of the bed, holding the phone only a few inches from her face. 

“Give em’ “ I extend my hand with a grin and she rolls her eyes, sitting up a bit and squinting at the nightstand. 

“Threw em there” she points at the nightstand generally before plopping back down. 

“You are a crusty little thing mon souris” (my mouse) I pick up her contacts from the nightstand and go toss them in the bin before coming back and laying down after flicking off the lamp. 

“Who were you talkin to?” She asked, looking over at me. 

“Oh uh- Syd…she sent this voice note askin’ about the schedule I was just explaining some stuff to ‘er” I said casually, genuinely surprised I was able to come up with a lie on the spot. 

“Oh, ok” she said and turned her phone off, grabbing her kindle and snuggling in to my chest. 

“Tv off please” she mutters and I silently thank god she was giving in to her exhaustion. 

“Oui ma cherie” (yes my darling) I kissed her forehead lightly and grabbed the remote,clicking the tv off and putting the remote on the nightstand before settling in and sighing softly. 

“Mm. s’quiet without your thing.” I said, alluding to her noise machine. She snorts a laugh. 

“It’s cute that you miss it” she said, turning the brightness down on her tablet. I wrap my arm around her waist, tucking my other hand between her thighs per usual. 

“What’re you readin’ Angel?” I asked, stroking her stomach with my hand gently. 

“Our book” she said softly and I hum. 

“Which part?” I question quietly and she taps the screen so it’d flip to the next page 

“Favorite one” she hums and I smiled softly. 

“Up for reading t’me, miel?” (Honey) 

“Any time ours” (Bear) she said before beginning.

 “ ‘Open your heart, and someone will come. Someone will come for you, Edward. But first, you must open your heart.’ Said the old doll. ‘I am done with being loved. And I am done with loving- for it’s too painful.’ Edward replied. ‘Oh pish’ said the doll. ‘Where is your courage?’ She asked Edward. ‘Somewhere else, I guess’ he replied. ‘You disappoint me.’ She said. ‘You, Edward, disappoint me greatly. If you have no further intention of loving or being loved, then this whole journey is pointless. You might as well leap from this shelf, and let yourself shatter into a million little pieces. Get it over with. Get it all over now.’ Edward couldn’t come up with a response, so he stared out the window, and he saw his beloved stars. But for the first time In his life, he’d felt no comfort by their sparkling presence, shining back at him through the curtians. He instead, felt mocked. ‘You are down there all alone.’ The stars seemed to say to him. ‘And we are up here, in the constellations together.’ -  ‘But…I have been loved.’ Edward thinks at the stars. ‘What difference does that make, when you’re all alone now?’ The stars seem to say back. 

And Edward could think of no answer to that question.”

I made sure to get up early, knowing Winnie would be sleeping as long as I’d let her. I got dressed and brushed my teeth before heading out to go get her breakfast. 

I stopped at chick fil a, getting her favorite meal in the morning time, and then went to this floral shop that was on the way back that i’d passed a cute flower shop on the walk back to the hotel that i’d passed a million times on my commute to work while living here, picking out a big bouquet of pink, purple, yellow and blue flowers. Lover colors Winnie will say when she sees them. At the counter while I was checking out there were big foil heart shaped ‘I love you’ balloons, so, of course I got one of those as well. 

I quietly opened the hotel room door, setting the flowers tied to the balloon on my side of the bed and setting the food bags down on her nightstand. I gently sat down on her end of the bed, the dip of my weight causing her to stir and reach out for me on my side, but when she instead felt the paper of the bouquet she opened her eyes, blinking a few times and looking back at me. 

“G’mornin sleeping beauty.” I said softly, taking her hand and kissing it after she got a good stretch in. 

“Mmm. Glasses please, are those flowers?” She asks sleepily, sitting up and yawning. I hand them to her and she puts them on, pouting. 

“Bear, oh my god c’mere” she flops into my arms and hugs me tight. “I love you, thank you. Y’re the best boyfriend in the whole wide world” she kisses my neck sweetly and I rub her back, smiling and kissing her head gently. 

“No I just try and show my baby how much she deserves” I pull her into my lap, kissing all over her face and she giggles. 

“Stoppp I have morning breath” she whines shying her face into my chest and I rub her hair gently. 

“Mmm smells ok t’me angel, c’mon I got your favorite,” I grab the bag and she gasps happily, taking it from me and giving me a big kiss. 

“You’re the best” she said again, sitting in her spot criss cross and looking up, following the string of the balloon and she looks back at the flowers, then the balloon again and her lip starts to quiver. 

“Bear” she whispers “Y’re too good” she said, tears pooling her eyes at the thoughtful gesture. 

“No tears baby, you know if you cry, I cry” I clear my throat, wiping under her eyes gently. It was my biggest weakness, and I’m not a cryer. Usually, for anything else, but for some reason, when she starts to cry- I can’t help it. It’s totally uncontrollable. 

“ ‘m sorry” she sniffles and takes my hand, kissing gently. “I just…I love you bear. So so much” she said and I smiled, tucking her hair gently behind her ear. 

“I love you more baby, look-” I opened up the bag for her, grabbing the little ‘chicken minis’ she loved and setting them in her lap as well as the hashbrowns and the many sauces. 

“They always hound me about the bigger bottle- and I have to tell them every time ‘no she only likes this sauce with this food but she wants to have enough’ “ I explained, grabbing the many little packets of ‘Polynesian’ and their house sauce she loved so much. 

She giggled, opening up the hashbrowns. “You’re the cutest” she said, dipping a hash brown in to the sauce and popping it in her mouth. 

“Oh!” I said and grab her frozen coffee out of the little drink carrier, and popping a straw in for her “extra chocolate, for my honey of course” I said and set it down on the nightstand. 

“I fall more in love with you every day, mon ours” (my bear) she leans forward, pecking my lips. “Open” she said softly and I oblige. She popped a hash brown in my mouth and I amile gratefully. 

“Y’got food too I hope” she said and I nod as I chew. 

“Mmhmm, their chicken one” I opened up the smaller bag, grabbing out 2 of the chicken biscuits I’d gotten for myself and she laughs. 

“Yeah? Their chicken one?” She repeats and I raise my eyebrow, looking at her. “All they serve is chicken, baby” she giggled and I roll my eyes smiling. 

“A chicken biscuit. Two actually” I snort, grabbing the ranch packets out of my bag. 

“Mmm” she hums as she sips her coffee. “They always get it right when you get it bear they never make it this chocolatey for me. The girls at the counter must think you’re cute.” She muses teasingly, eating one of her little brioche chicken things that she was convinced I couldn’t replicate perfectly, no matter how much I’d tried. 

I really think she just loves to see me keep yearning to impress her, frisky little devil. 

“I think that you just like it more when Y’re happy little butt gets to stay snuggled up in bed, and it taste better cause you didn’t have to work for it” I teased and she laughs, scrunching her nose adorably. 

“Maaaaybeee - but don’t pretend like every time we go out you aren’t getting hit on, mister sexy chef” she splays her legs over my lap, crossing her ankles. 

“Oh yeah” I roll my eyes, taking a bite of my sandwich after pouring a good amount of ranch on. “Totally - like you remember that lady at Coach yesterday when I didn’t know that bag was like 30k and she told me to ‘get my sticky fingers off that bag’ she was all over me, babe“ I snort and she laughs, leaning against the headboard. 

“Dude - I’m surprised I didn’t fucking jump her with the way she was talking to us. I am never getting a coach bag now baby, don’t even think about it. Syd was right- Prada was the way to go. I can’t waittt to show her oh my god. Sadie is gonna flip” she said and I smiled, nodding. Mmhmm when she gets here in about 3 hours, she and you will both be flipping out. 

“Oh! Shit! I didn’t check” she put down her food, grabbing her phone and going on to the Ticketmaster app and my eyes widen. They better not be dropping tickets today. I wanted to wait for Sadie to get here and tell her together and if she tries to buy them i’ll have no choice. 

“Oh- I already did baby. I did as soon as I got up” I lied, feeling the envelope in my inner breast pocket containing the tickets burning a hole in to me. The taste of the words on my tongue were bitter knowing they held no truth, but this was a good lie. A lie that will make her ultimately happy.

“Oh…” she pouts sadly, her shoulders hunching slightly in defeat as she refreshes the empty Ticketmaster page just in case. “I feel selfish…but…I just love her s’much. I know I’ve seen her already but-“ she sighs, shaking her head. “I know it’s bratty, but Sadie and I have the most fun at her concerts. I don’t even know how she’d get here in time, what am I even saying. And I didn’t even take my outfit.” She puts her phone down. “No taylor talk today, ok? It’ll just make me sad.” She took a sip of coffee and I nodded, rubbing her leg gently. 

My heart ached seeing her so upset. I felt the words pressing at the back of my throat begging to come out, to comfort her, to tell her ‘it’s ok baby I got them already Sadie’s on her way, Richie and Eva are coming! This is everything the three of you have been talking about since she announced it, I love you angel please be happy.’ 

But instead, I squeeze her calf gently. “No taylor talk.” I nod. When we’d finished eating, she had gone to have a ‘everything’ shower which was code for ‘leave me alone, I need to get shit done’ shower, and I picked up the room, throwing our garbage away and setting the flowers on the desk for her. 

I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket and when I saw it was Richie calling I picked it up right away. 

“Guess where we are cousinnn!!” He said excitedly in to the phone 

“Cousin Carmy were coming to see you AND TAYLOR SWIFT!!” Eva squeals excitedly and I chuckle. 

“Jesus Christ I’m deaf” I hear Sadie grumble. 

“Someone doesn’t like mornings, Cousin you send a drill sergeant that hates mornings to my house at 5 am to announce we’re seeing Taylor swift?!” He asks and I chuckle. 

“Staff Sergeant. Thank you!” She snips and I snorted. 

“Cause I know a Marine is the only person that could get your ass out of bed before first light on a day off, how far out are you?” I asked, sitting on the bed. 

“Well we got the rental, Sadie is driving - the GPS saysss….” He groans. “An hour and forty six minutes with traffic”  he grumbled. 

“Welcome to New York, cousin. Let me know when you guys get here and drop off your shit. We’re in room 313 y’guys are gonna be 388 and 389” I said 

“I want 389!” Sadie and Eva said at the same time and I crinkle my brows. 

“What’s with- oh my god” I roll my eyes. “Cause of 1989? I can’t stand you guys…” I chuckle. 

“She can have it cause I’m so mature” Sadie teased and I snort. 

“Thanks, bug. I’ll s’ya soon. Drive safe.” I said before ending the call. I heard the water cut off, Winnie belting to Taylor songs per usual. 

I took the opportunity while she was still in the bathroom to call and make a reservation at Freemans - for tomorrow afternoon, a spot Winnie had been gushing about ever since none other than Taylor was seen there a while back.

 I had no shame this time in mentioning my first and last name, knowing they’d pull out every stop for us since the host asked if I was the owner of the bear, the restaurants owner must know of me. 

The door clicks open just after I hang up and Winnie paused her music, coming out in a pair of panties and one of my white shirts, her hair still dry since I assume she tied it back. 

“Hey hey” she said, coming and sitting in my lap. I rub my hand up her thigh gently. 

“Hey beautiful, you have a nice shower?” I mutter in to her neck, gently kissing a trail of butterfly kisses up to her jaw. 

“Mmhmm” she interlocks our fingers, gently squeezing my hand. “What’s my surprise? I love your surprises, Bear” she kisses my lips sweetly and I raise my eyebrows in surprise her fuckin memory sometimes she always remembers the shit she shouldn’t. 

“Mmm” I hum softly into the kiss, swiping my tongue against her bottom lip and kissing her deeper, running my hands up her sides, hoping if I fluster her enough the question will slip her mind. 

She moaned softly, running her fingers through my hair and tugging lightly, scratching at the places she knew made me melt into her. 

“Baby” she said into my lips. “What’re you hiding from me” she kissed the corner of my mouth gently and I look up at her, my cheeks bright pink. 

I’m not the one that’s supposed to be flustered right now. 

I bit my lip gently and rest my forehead on her chest, not wanting to look at her pleading hazel eyes. 

“s’a surprise honey” I said into her shirt. She rubbed my back gently. 

“Will I get my surprise today?” She asked. 

“Course, like less then 2 hours yeah? Not much longer baby” I kiss her collar bones gently and she moves to straddle my waist, my hands moving down to cup the flesh of her backside as I usually did when she sat like this to support her. 

“S’we have enough time to play” she said softly in my ear, pushing up the hem of my shirt. Her cold hands made my abs and stomach tighten, hissing softly at the contact. 

“Ye’ baby - fuck Y’re hands are freezing.” I squeeze her ass gently, resting my head back as she kisses my neck and throat, gently nibbling along my jaw.  “Then warm me up bear” she whispered into my skin.

𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓃𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝒫.𝒪.𝒱. 🍯

“Fuckfuckfuck y-yours- i’m yours, no one could ever make me feel so good, Carmy” I whine out, tugging his hair as he devours me. Icy blue eyes darkened with lust were piercing my gaze, his nose nudging my clit causing me to let out a breathy moan as his tongue plunged in and out of my core. 

“That’s right, I fuckin own this pussy baby” he said hotly, my arousal dripping down his chin, his lips plump and oh so pink from the delicious assault on the place I needed him most. 

“Please” I said, tears from the overwhelming pleasure were gathering in the corners of my eyes at this point, and he had been practically humping the mattress to get himself off as he ravished me. I knew he wanted me as much as I needed him. 

“Please what honey?” He sat up, one knee on the bed, hovering over me, his chain dangling in my face as he rubs my clit. I writhe and squirm beneath his touch, already 2 orgasms deep but I was drunk off the pleasure. I couldn’t tell him to stop, it was like a high I never wanted to come off of. 

“F-ahh” my hips buck wildly, eyes screwing shut and nose scrunching as that oh so familiar intense wave of pleasure begins crashing at the dam doors of my stomach. 

“Fuck me, fuckmefuckme Bear, pleeeeaseeee” I beg out pulling him in to a deep kiss. He huffs a chuckle in to my mouth, taking his hand away from my center to pull himself free, covering his cock in my arousal that was soaking his hand. 

“Y’gonna be a good girl ‘n not get greedy? Mm? I don’t want y’t’be sore baby” he said, lining himself up at my entrance. 

I huff sassily. “I want all of your cock, not just a little” I pout and he puts his tip in, my mouth quickly dropping in pleasure and eyes fluttering shut. I grabbed his hand, wrapping it around my throat and looking up at him. 

“Mmm you wanna be my little whore?” He coos, leaning in and kissing my lips sweetly. 

“Please…” I said softly and I moan as I felt his hand tighten around my throat and he sinks in further. 

“Fuck- s’fuckin tight Angel” his grip around my throat tightens a bit as he tries to hold himself back from rutting in to me fully before he stretched me out. 

I bit my lip, my eyebrows furrowing together in pleasure at the mix of the lightness filling my head and the warmth it brought. 

“Feel good princess?” He pushes in deeper and I moan in response. 

“S’so good Carm- fuck I love your cock” I whine out, my back arching when he hits my gspot. 

“Half way baby. Be my g’girl.” He strokes my throat with his thumb gently and I nod quickly. 

“I’m trying, feels fuckin amazing bear I can’t help it” I said and he kisses around my chest, sucking on my nipple and grunting in to me when he felt my core tighten around him as I was brought to the very tip of the edge. 

“Let go” he said as he pushed in fully, the sensation causing my third orgasm to wash over me like a harsh crack of hot lightning. My walls clench around him pulsingly, my back arching and hot thick strings of cries, whines, and moans between curses spilled from my lips. 

He released his hold on my neck, pressing his lips to my forehead, thrusting harder faster. “Mmm fuck. Can y’give me another one honey? C’mon, I know my good girl can give me another one.” He muttered and I smile up at him, kissing his jaw gently. 

“So determined Bear- mmm- there-there don’t fuckin move, there. I-I promise I’ll give you another” I plead, my nails dragging down his back and he moaned at the contact. 

“Shit yesss baby. Fuckin scratch me up please I love that shit fuck Y’re like a horny little cat” he grunts, fucking in to the same spot harder, holding himself up by the mattress. 

The only sounds leading my lips were incoherent mumbled profanities and short ‘uh-uh-uh’ as he pounded me harder in to the mattress. A few short minutes later I was cumming again soaking is thighs and all the way up to his stomach, he grunts approvingly. 

“Fuuuck that’s my good girl. Shiiit y’re so fuckin’ wet baby. My messy little girl” he praises and I feel my cheeks heat, a warm pool of liquid settling by the dip of my bum. 

“Shit m’sorry I didn’t mean to make such a mess” I said embarrassedly and he shook his head lightly. 

“Babe its hot as fuck. I wish I could make you do this every fuckin time.” He holds my breasts to keep them from bouncing, thumbing my nipples over my jewlery as he continues snapping his hips. 

I whine, my hips arching up in overstimulation but that just burried him deeper. I cry out and he quickly puts his arm under my hips to support them, holding me in that position. 

“Holy fuckkkk” he moans out, eyes fluttering shut in bliss and head falling back as he picks up his pace. “Fuck Angel you are fuckin perfect. Here touch Y’re belly baby, feel me” he kisses along my neck and I reach my hand down, gasping as I press on my stomach and feel his cock driving in and out of me. 

“Fuck oh my god” I said, a laugh falling from my lips followed by a moan, “wow. This is what they mean when they say rearrange my guts” I kiss him deeply, tugging his curls firmly between my fingers and he moans into my mouth. 

“Sh-iiiit s-so close…” he whined out and I smile lazily, kissing a trail of gentle kisses over his jaw as he continued. His thrusts were becoming stuttering, sloppy, and much less powerful. Now it was my turn to push him over the ledge. 

“je t'aime, mon ours” (I love you, my bear) I whisper sweet and sensually in his ear, and he grunted, spilling in to me with one final thrust, bottoming out and slamming our lips together in a heated, wanting kiss, keeping himself buried deep inside me while his cock pulses through his comedown. 

 “I fuckin love you Winnow” he breathes in to my skin leaving wet hot kisses over my chest and collarbones. 

He rolls over, laying next to me and catching his breath. “We need to shower” he said after a while of cuddling and I look at him, my brows furrowing. 

“Why” I question, resting my hand on his chest and wrapping my leg around his. 

“Cause we got things t’do baby, y’re surprise” he smiled a bit, patting my bum gently. 

“My legs are useless at the moment. You want me t’shower I need t’be carried” I mused, gently running my fingers over the curve of his abs. 

“Mmhmm that can be arranged” he grabs his phone, angling it away so I couldn’t see who he was texting before turning the phone back normal and googling the hotel we’re staying at, calling the front desk. 

Okay, he’s really hiding something. 

“Yeah hey- me and my uh…” he looks down at me “wife- we need the sheets changed in room 313…yeah- nope that’s fine we’re gonna be in the bathroom so- alright. Yup, thank you.” He said and hung up. I wiggle my eyebrows. 

“Wife?” I teased with a big grin. 

His cheeks go pink. “You know I’ll make you my wife someday. People seem t’take us as like… a legit couple when I say that…when I just call you my girl people think we’re kids ‘er somethin” he rubs my back lightly. 

“Mmm…i’m just teasin’ baby..but- I dunno… I like that- it just sounds right coming from your mouth. I never thought of myself as wifey material but…Winnow Berzatto. That sounds nice, don’t ya think?” I kiss his collarbones and he swallows thickly. 

“Yeah…yeah I uh- I kept thinkin’ about that last night when they called you that..I liked that a lot too..” he said softly, stroking my hair. 

“Well” I stick up my ring finger, wiggling it in front of his face “Whenever you’re ready, I’m waiting” I peck his lips and he hums, deepening our kiss and running his hand up my side. 

“Thank you baby” he said, resting his forehead on mine. “F’r bein’ so patient w’me” he said quietly, rubbing my lower back in small circles. 

“ ‘fcourse Carm, I’d wait forever for you” I kiss his nose and he smiles big, a blush painting his cheeks a cherry red. 

“Y’wont need to wait that long baby, I’m just…just gettin’ my shit together” he sighs a bit, rubbing his hand up my back. “C’mon koala, up” he pats my bum and I release his leg, sitting up against the headboard. 

 He stood up, coming to my side and I lifted my arms. He lifted me up simply, holding me bridal style and carrying me to the bathroom. 

“Mmm mon gros ours sexy, et fort..” (mm my big strong, sexy bear..) I said into his ear, nibbling his earlobe with my teeth and he sets me down on the bathroom counter with a smile. 

“Tu es déja ton…” (you already got your…) he stops, thinking for a moment “ahhh Tu es déja ton remplis ma sale cherie.” (You already got your fill my dirty darling) he smiled proudly, turning on the water. 

“Ooohhh look at mon petit ours français sexy” (oooh look at my sexy little french bear)  I giggled, crossing my ankles and leaning against the mirror. 

“Mmhmm, I have the sexiest little professor” he comes over, kissing my lips sweetly. I hum in to the kiss, playing with his curls gently. We made out until the bathroom was thick with steam, and our lips didn’t disconnect as we stepped into the oversized walk in shower. 

He rested my back against the wall, hands firmly supporting my bum as he held me up, my ankles crossed at his tailbone, thighs squeezing his waist gently. I smiled, my eyes fluttering shut and resting my forehead on his shoulder as he kissed my neck. 

“Feels good Bear…Y’gonna mark me up, Carmy?mm? Show everyone you own me?” I bit down on the ball of his shoulder playfully and he groans in satisfaction.  

“Not yet baby, Y’gonna wanna take pictures today” he said softly, leaving sweet tender kisses along my jaw bone to my lips. “Cmon princess, can I set you down and get y’washed up? We can’t be late” he pleads. 

I sigh softly “fine. Now I’m interested though, I know you like takin’ pictures of me, but I rarely think to take them myself. What’re you up to, Bear?” I sit down on the marble bench built in to the shower as soon as he’d set me down, my legs still feeling quite shakey under me. 

“It’s a surprise princess, I told you.” He grabbed my body wash and a washcloth, sudsing it up “c’mere stinky” he teases and I gasp, feigning great offense, clutching my necklace. 

“Stinky?! You made me stinky!! With all your man sweat.” I stick out my tongue at him and he chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist and hoisting me to my feet, gently washing over my body. 

“Oh yeah, but if I remember you were all pleasepleaseplease begging for my stink missy” he mimics me and I gasp, hitting his chest lightly and laughing. 

“Do not make fun of me, y’know what- fine. I’ll just suck your soul out later and then mock you when we’re done about how your like ‘aughhhh ah-ooo-shit, fuck honey yesss” I mimicked his whines and shrugged.  He laughs “Whatever was left of my soul you’ve already sucked out months ago, little vampire. So good luck cause I’m all dry.” he teased.

By the time we were done in the shower, I had felt much better. The hot water worked it’s magic on my sore muscles, and Carmy even laid with me and was giving me a long, relaxing lotion massage. 

He's really laying this whole surprise thing on thick. 

“Baby” I said softly, looking down at him and his gaze meets mine, continuing to massage my hip since it was so tight after everything this morning and having to walk around in heels last night. 

A blush comes to my cheeks and my throat suddenly felt tight, I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea about my question, but I also didn’t want him to do anything just to appease me. 

“Are you…is the surprise proposing? Cause I don’t want …I don’t want to get married until you’re ready baby I’m ok with my necklace I don’t need a ring I know you love me” I said softly and he smiles, nodding. 

“No baby, I’m not. Sorry if that’s disappointing, but like I said, I promise at some point, I will- and I don’t think you’d be able to handle all that excitement t’night.” He kissed my knee gently and continued on massaging. 

“Oh..ok” I said and went back to scrolling through twitter on my phone. He digs his phone out of his pocket when it buzzes immediately, almost too quick, and sends a fast response before setting it on the bed and patting my hip gently. 

“Put on some pants, can’t be poohin’ it we have guests comin’” he teased. I giggled at the silly joke. Whenever he’d come over and I was in nothing but panties and a shirt, he’d always say I was “living up to my name” since Winnie the Pooh never wears pants. 

“Who’s visiting?” I asked, getting up and grabbing my fluffy pajama pants. 

“You’ll see princess” he hums, taking a dress bag out of his suitcase and a black bag, hanging them on the closet door as there was a knock. 

“Y’wanna get the door angel?” He asked and I raised a brow, slipping my feet into my bear paw slippers and shuffling over to the door, pulling it open. 

“WINNIE!!” Eva runs in and hugs my legs and hips tightly as I stood there, jaw dropped to see Richie and Sadie standing there. 

“Guys!? What are you doing here?” I picked Eva up, kissing all over her face. “You came to Visit us pipsqueak?!” I asked her excitedly. 

“Cousin Carmy has a SURPRISE TELL HER CARMY TELL HER” she yelled at him. 

“Shhhh, shh baby people are sleepin come on” I giggled at her excitement, letting them in the door and setting her down gently. 

I give Sadie a big hug “SadieBug what the fuck!!” I giggle squeezing her tightly. “Why the hell are you guys here?” I give Richie a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. 

“Y’still didnt tell ‘er?” Richie asked Carm, who was already picking up Eva and throwing her on to the bed, one of her favorite games when we’d stay at a hotel. She giggles wildly, each time she flew in to the pillows she’d squeal happily and sit up. 

“Again! Again!” And leap back into his arms. 

“No I was waitin’ for you guys, okay one more Eva then we gotta give Winnie her surprise yeah?” He asks and she nods happily. 

“Okay, one…two…thrreee!!” He swings her between each count, hurling her carefully in to the bed on three and she laughs excitedly, standing up and jumping. 

“Winnie come sit!” She said plopping down on her bum and bouncing at the force of the mattress, giggling as she did so.  

“She slept most the way from the airport, so that’s why she’s a little wound up” Richie said, causing me to giggle. 

I was so caught up in how fuckin cute Carmy was with Eva that I completely forgot why they were here in the first place. 

“Okay nowww do I get my surprise?” I asked Carm, walking up and wrapping my arms loosely around his neck, looking up at him with big doe eyes. 

“Yes baby but I think you should sit, yeah?” He gently nudges me to sit on the bed and I do so. 

“Should I be scared?” I raise my eyebrow and Sadie laughs. 

“No dude. Just listen” she crossed her arms as Carm took a white envelope out of his inner breast pocket, his first and last name written on the outside. 

“So, honey” he sits next to me and offers the envelope. “I love you, so much. All I want is f’r you to be happy okay? I would go to the ends of the earth to make you happy. And I know that you’d do the same f’me…and I hope that this shows you, that I will always find a way to make what you want happen okay, every time.” He kisses my forehead tenderly and I pout at his words, cupping his cheeks and giving him a sweet kiss. 

“You’re the best boyfriend ever, I love you” I said softly. 

“Yuck” Eva said from behind us and I look at her. 

“And You’re a stinky baby” I tease, poking her belly and she pouts 

“Hey!” She crosses her arms and Richie chuckled. 

“You’re yucky too Carmy” she pokes him in the back with her foot and he snorts. 

“Open your gift Angel” he wraps his arm around me, his chin resting on my shoulder. 

I gently pull open the envelope, taking out a stack of…concert tickets? 

Taylor Swift - THE ERAS TOUR LIVE - Sponsored by Capital One With special Guests; BOYGENIUS & Sabrina Carpenter

ADMIT 1 FLRL R2 S13 Saturday, June 20, 2025 TICKETMASTER EVENT 

Blood roars in my ears, my heart starts thumping so hard I can feel it in my stomach, my throat, everywhere. I flicked through the tickets, there were five. My jaw was basically on the floor, my stomach was doing flips, it felt as if I could pass out. 

“Mmm? What’s Taylor say? We’re goin out T’night baby” he kisses my cheek and I look at him, tears pooling my eyes. 

There were so many thoughts in my mind, I couldn’t even settle on one. I looked back at the tickets, sure they’d turn in to something else if I stared at them hard enough.

“Daddy..is Winnie ok she looks scared?” Eva whispered to Richie and I laughed and laughed, tears streaming down my face and I hug Carmen so tightly he actually groans a bit beneath my grasp. 

“Fuck wow baby when did you get so strong?” He chuckled and I release him slightly. 

“I don’t wanna scare people by screaming? I dunno what to do baby” I said, kissing his neck gently. “What am I even gonna wear?” I whisper and he wipes my cheeks 

“No tears,” he said softly, kissing my forehead. “I don’t wanna get all w’rked up baby” he rubs my back soothingly. 

I nod, wiping over my face. “I know, sorry, sorry. But I- I forgot my bodysuit what am I gonna do?” I said, my heart breaking. “W-were gonna be s’close and she won’t see it. I worked so hard Carmy” I said and he broke our hug, walking over to the closet and unzipping the black dress bag. 

Revealing my blue bodysuit. 

I squeal and run, jumping into his arms and kissing his face all over “and you’re coming with us?” I asked and he nods, smiling wide. 

“I am and I can get all your videos, and pictures, and I can get your merch and everything baby you just have to enjoy the show” he said and I felt tears welling up behind my eyes again. 

“You’re perfect.” I whispered and kissed him lovingly. 

“Okay lovebirds” Sadie snaps her fingers. “We have a stadium to be at in” she looks at her Apple Watch. “4 hours if you wanna trade bracelets, and chop-chop if I’m curling your hair, Pooh” she tells me and I sniffle, wiping my face and getting down off him. 

“Girls are gonna need the bathroom” I told him and he nods, rubbing my back gently.  

“Course babe. Why don’t you guys have a little get ready party in here. Y’want me and Richie to go to the liquor store n’ stuff so you and Sadie can pregame?” He tucks my hair behind my ear sweetly. 

I smile wide. “Carmen fucking Berzatto I fall in love with you more each second” I kiss him deeply, cupping his cheeks and stroking his fingers with my thumbs. 

“Jesus Christ are they always like this? My god” Richie said 

“Told you, yucky daddy.” Eva replied and I giggle “Only every second of every day. I think I know this guys side profile more then his frontal because of how much they suck face” Sadie said, earning a laugh out of all 4 of us.

“Back” Carmen called as he came into the hotel room, knocking on the bathroom door.

“Come in!” I called over the music. 

“Oh my goodness Richie who’s this young lady?” Carm said when he saw Evas hair that I’d already curled for her and pinned back with glittery barrettes that would match her outfit. 

She giggled, “thank you! Daddy, look!! Winnie did my hair how Sadie will do hers!!” She stood up off the edge of the honeymoon tub, spinning so her curls would be shown off. 

“Wooow look at you pumpkin! You are a little Taylor swift” he comes and picks her up. 

“C’mon let’s go get you dressed, We’ll come back after you have some lunch” he told her and she pouted. 

“I want drinks!” She said causing Sadie, Carm and I to laugh. 

“Girl no it’s big kid drinks.” Sadie said, continuing on her makeup. 

“Mmhmm that’s right, pipsqueak. We’re gonna see you again real soon yeah? And we’ll go to the concert together” I told her and she nodded. 

“Bear” I said sweetly when the door closed after they left. 

“Honey” he repeats, mimicking my tone causing me to giggle. 

“Can you make Sadie and I some doubles, s’il te plaît?” (Please)  I flutter my lashes at him adorably and he snorts. 

“Y’know I love doin’ stuff for you baby, Y’don’t have to give me the theatrics every time” he pecks my lips and takes the bag clinking with bottles of alcohol into the bedroom. 

“Mm but you always do it extra nice when I give you the sweet eyes” I called after him and he chuckled. I was sat with my feet in the sink, focused on my makeup as Sadie curled my hair when he came back with 3 glasses. 

“Sorry, they didn’t have limes babe but I got lime juice” he set my glass next to me and another next to Sadie before sitting on the ledge of the tub and taking a sip of his. 

“ ‘sokay” I said softly, focused on tightlining my eyes with the navy blue pencil liner. 

“Doesn’t that hurt. Y’re like- poking your eye babe.” He said and I stopped, looking at him with a smile. 

“Y’get used to it I guess. I wear contacts to you see the way I dig around my eyes” I said and he shivers at the thought. 

“It’s fuckin’ weird babe I swear it really skeeves me out I’m afraid you’ll scratch your eye out with one of your claws” he said, causing me to giggle.

I took a sip of my drink and scrunch my nose. “Fuck Carm” I giggled. “Wow I’m gonna have to nurse that if I’m gonna be able to do my makeup” I laughed and he snorts a chuckle. 

“Y’said you wanted it strong baby” he replied and I shake my head. 

“I guess I did, gee I’m feelin the burn” I laugh, finishing up tightlining my eyes and starting my winged liner. 

“Sweet like honey karma is a cat purrin in my lap cause it loves meee” Sadie sings along softly as she sprays my hair with hairspray. 

“Flexin like a god damn acrobat me and karma vibe like that!!!” I finished for her and continued doing my makeup. 

By the time we’d finished makeup and hair, I was happy tipsy, giggling in the bathroom as I attempted getting dressed on my own.  

“Carm can you help? My nails keep getting stuck I don’t wanna rip these they’re the ones Taylor wears” I called through the door. 

“Comin” he calls and a few moments later he pops the door open, laughing at my current state. In nothing but my bra and thong, tights pulled up to my thighs. 

I giggle “stop it!! No you’re my boyfriend you can’t laugh at me it’s the law” I said and he shakes his head, coming over and carefully unrolling the bunched fabric. 

“My goodness babe what the hell were you doin’ trying to get these things on? Ballin’ em up?” He teased, crouching down and gently unraveling up to the waistband. 

“Yeah well kinda I got it over my feet perfect see- but then, my boobs were suffocating me from bending over- and I was getting sweaty and lightheaded and I don’t wanna ruin my makeup” I giggle and he grunted a little as he got up. 

“The things I do for you.” He chuckled to himself, carefully pulling the tights up my thighs and smoothing them over my waist. “There. Now where’s your other pair the fishnets right?” He asked and I smiled big, he really pays attention when I tell him about my interests and my plans for things that are so important to me. 

“Mmhmm..sparkly fishnets” I said “my legs are gonna look so long and so sexy” i giggled, sitting on the edge of the tub as I roll the fabric over my toes up to the knees and stood up. “Your turn” I said. 

“I wouldn’t say long you’re not even 5 foot baby, but sexy” he kisses my knee and up my thigh as he dragged the fishnets up. “Absolutely” he said and looked up at me. I pouted, crossing my arms over my middle. 

“Do you wish I was tall?” I asked and he laughs, a real, genuine Carmy giggly laugh. 

“Baby oh my god. Are you all done with the drinks? Cause you gettin’ all mushy drunk on me? I tell you all the time how you’re the perfect size f’me” he pulls the fishnets over my bum, spanking me gently after he brought them up over my waist. 

“No. I just…sometimes people look at me like I’m a kid cause the way I dress and I wanted to be sure it doesn’t embarrass you that I’m small” I look at the floor and he tilts my chin up to look at him. 

“Baby. The only small thing about you- is your height. These?” He cups my breasts with his palms “these” he rubs his hands over my hips. “Especially, this” he spanks me with a smile, causing me to giggle. “All that is in no way small. And anyone who mistakes you for a kid is blind. “ He said running his hands up my waist. “Okay- guess y’got me, this” he squeezes “is tiny.” He pulls me in to him. “And when I’m fucking you from the back? Mmm… it’s the only reason I do it baby cause of how pretty this is” he squeezed again as he whispers in my ear, kissing my pulse point and my breath hitched. 

“Ok- I believe you, I believe you- don’t get me worked up please” I kiss his lips. “Can you get my bodysuit?” I asked and he nodded, returning with it a few moments later and carefully unzips it. 

“I can hold it for you babe” he said, holding it low so I could step in. I held on to his shoulder and did so, slipping in my arms and pulling it up over he got the first half on. “Hold your hair honey I don’t wanna zip it in” he brushed my hair over my shoulder and I held it back for him. 

He zipped me up, hooking the zipper on the little zip lock and gently rubbing his hands up my sides. “Mmm a little red headed Taylor” he hummed, rubbing his hands over my stomach and lightly thumbing over the intricate beading that had taken me hundreds of hours. 

I blushed, turning around and looking at myself in the mirror. I smiled wide, my red hair being more akin to fire against the twinkling royal blue. I felt like a fucking pop star. 

“Holy shit I made this!” I said and he nodded proudly, admiring me and all my hard work. 

“Y’did baby girl! It is so perfect. Dare I say, better then hers. Do you think she planned it to have segments of 13 beads?” He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my forehead, looking me over in the mirror and I laugh. 

“Oh the Queen of cryptic planning? Did she plan such a thing? Most likely. But thank you baby. Some spots are a little wonky….but overall I think it came out” I said and stepped away “Wait- we have to check the twirly” I said and shake my hips like Taylor, gasping at all the movement and shimmer. 

“SADIE!” I call and she came over in her own bodysuit she’d made, akin to the Pink Lover bodysuit she opened the show in. 

“Oh my god!!” We shriek at the same time, hugging eachother and jumping excitedly. 

“You look so good Sadie!!” I laughed and she squeezed me tight. 

“Dude oh my god!! She’s gonna fuckin see us she has to” she said and I laugh excitedly. 

“Oh my godddd” I said clapping excitedly. “Okay c’mon c’mon shoes -“ I said and Sadie gasps. 

“CARMEN! Oh my god!” She said and looked at him, he chuckles 

“Sadie! What!” He smiled wide and she runs over to her suitcase, dropping to her knees and rifling through it. 

She comes back a few moments later with a bag that she throws at his chest and he catches swiftly. “A thank you, well- not a proper one but…you guys need pictures” she said as he ripped the plastic open, taking out the white tshirt and laughing to himself before turning it around to show me  

It was much like the tshirt she regularly wore, except this one had ‘KARMA’ in big black letters. I gasp excitedly looking at Sadie, “cause you’re my BOYFRIEND!” I giggle and kiss his lips sweetly. 

“That I am baby. Well I’m glad it’s not just you guys to be all dressed up, Thank y’bug, really, that was super sweet” he said and I smiled big. 

“ ‘dressed up’ if I knew you were going we’d have a couples costume babe” I go and grab my midnight blue sparkly boots that I’d also bejeweled myself and zip them up. “Am I giving vigilante shit?” I pose with my heel on the bedside chair and Sadie laughs. 

“Yes dude you look fire.” She said, zipping up her own heels. “So do you!! I wish Syd would just give it up and become a Swiftie!! We’re gonna convert her by next tour, then we can all have sparkly outfits” I said confidently and Carm opens the bathroom door, coming out in his new shirt. 

“It’s not a couples costume but it should do, right honey?” He teases and I smile big. 

“Anything on you is made one million times sexier I’m not sure why I ever had a second thought.” I come up, my hands trailing under his shirt as I kissed him deeply. The door opens and I pulled away. 

“I’m Fearless!” Eva said happily, bounding in wearing her brown cowgirl boots and golden fringe dress, shaking around to show us the movement and hugging my waist. 

“And she needs a nap!” Richie mouthed, shutting the door and Carm snorts a laugh. 

“What did you have for lunch pippy?” I picked her up, holding her on my good hip. 

“We had pizza with pepperoni my favorite” she said, gently cupping my cheek. 

“You look like Taylor!!” She said happily “all the sparkles are so prettyyy” she leans in, our foreheads touching “could I have some?” She whispers and I giggle.

“Of course pipsqueak. Here” I set her down on the bed and went over to my suitcase, rifling through my makeup bag and grabbing the same glitter gel I’d used and I come over, dabbing some on her cheeks. 

“Carmy needs some too” she said with her eyes shut and I look at him over my shoulder, a blush splaying over his cheeks. 

“N-no boys don’t- er- Carmy doesn’t need it” he said and I smile. 

“Why not baby? We can all match yeah? It’d be cute. F’me, f’youre special honey” I gave him a pout and fluttered my lashes. 

He sighed “fine.” He sits down next to Eva and I giggled. 

“Carmy” Eva said and his eyes flutter shut as I dab the sparkles along his cheekbones. 

“Mmhmm” he hummed in response. 

“Why do you only listen to Winnie?” She asks curiously and Richie, Sadie and I bust up laughing together. 

He looks at her. “Cause I’m big and I can choose who I do and don’t listen to kid.” He said, poking her arm and she giggled. 

“Sugar says you’re still just a little baby” she teased and he snorts. 

“Sugar is an instigator.” He told her as I plop in his lap with my drink.  

“What’s an instigator?” She repeats

“Someone who starts stuff” I told her and smile a bit. “Like, your daddy always instigates the arguments about the front of the restaurant where he works” i leaned in and whispered to her, causing her to giggle. 

“Hey! I do not” Richie said. 

“Do. Absolutely you do.” Carmen said with a smirk. 

“Yeah yeah alright cousin fuckin’ - let’s just go please. Load up in the car, Eva go potty” he told her and she jumped up running off to the bathroom. I finish off my drink and grabbed my purse, being sure I had everything. 

“I have 2 portable chargers” I told Sadie. 

“Perfecto, I got 3. We should be good” she nods, zipping her purse back up.

By the time we’d gotten to the stadium, (a very quiet ride because Eva had to take a nap or would be a terror most the night) Sadie and I were practically bursting with excitement. 

“Evaaa!” I whisper, gently rubbing her arm. “Guess where we are?” I said and she opens her eyes, looking up and squealing when she sees the stadium.

“WERE GONNA SEE TAYLOR!!!” She squealed.

“Yaassss! Taylorrrr!” Sadie said opening up her door and helping her unbuckle. Carm helped me put my heels on since I knew if I wore them the whole time in the car my hip would hurt before we even got in the stadium.

“Now, only rule- y’tell me when y’re hurtin’, got it?” he whispered in my ear and I look up at him, nodding.

“Promise, I’ll sit down if I start hurting” I said and pucker my lips for a kiss. He obliges before grabbing my purse from the car.

“Y’wanna hold it or want me to babe?” he asked. 

“Uhmmm, can you for now and then when I run out of bracelets i’ll take it?” I ask and he nods, holding my hand and lacing our fingers. 

“Sounds good t’me baby” he said, and we all started the long walk to the stadium entrance.

“Christ cousin- could you have picked a further spot? Y’know how it is with her and walkin’, were gonna be standing all night, jagoff” Carm complains and I nudge him.

“You know what?! You should’ve driven then, Mister fuckin New York, bet you’d have found the bessttt spot right?” he shoots back. 

“Stop!” I flick the back of his head, “And stop” I kiss Carmys cheek gently, “We’re having fun t’night, I promised bear, I’ll tell you if i’m hurting” I said and Richie shoots me a glare.

“So I get a flick, he gets a kiss?! F’startin’ it?!” he complains and I giggle with a shrug. 

“Cousin treatment I guess, er-brother? I dunno, all of our family dynamics are all fucked up” I said.

“Winnie thats a bad word” Eva looks up at me.

“It is a bad word, but sometimes- mmm… listen to your daddy, but I think, cause i’m a grown up and I dont have to listen to my mommy or daddy anymore, - sometimes, bad words can be used to describe bad things. And my family, isn’t very good.” I shrug and she nods.

“I think multiplication homework is all fucked up” she said and Carm, Sadie and I howl with laughter.

“Ayyyy!!!! No! No- not allowed that word ‘till y’re like 13 kid, that was y’re one pass, y’mother is gonna fuc- flipping- kill me if she hears that comin’ from y’mouth” he pats her head gently. 

“Mommy says you and Cousin Carmy are bad influences for me, what does that mean?” She looks up at him and he rolls his eyes. “It means that your mommy is telling you things that are none of your business. When she tells you those things, just say nicely “I dont think thats my business mommy” “ I told her and Carm squeezes my hand assuringly.

We get up to the entrance and I was practically dancing with anticipation, I couldn’t stay still. “Sadie” I said and she looks over “I’m like-” I shake my hands “Like- too excited, it’s too loud, too many people- can we play hands?” I asked , it was a game we’d develouped since we’d both seemed to absorb way too much nervous, excited energy while around crowds like this, where we’d both stand about a foot away from eachother, and push our hands together until one of our feet moved, and the person who remained still would be the winner.

She frowns, “Sorry dude, my hand- remember?” she said and I sighed, nodding and crossing my arms over my middle, squeezing my waist- trying to find any semblance of grounding I could. 

Sadie had broken her hand at work a while ago, and needed some kind of tendon surgery to fix it- so playing hands wasn’t really an option for her since it wasn’t good for her to put pressure on it.

“Whats hands?” Carm asks, wrapping his arm around me- and for whatever reason the material of this shirt was making me cringe right now.

“Agh-” I step away, rubbing over my arm where the fabric brushed me. “Sorry.. Sorry- we haven’t washed it yet” I said and he looks down. 

“My shirt? ‘M sorry baby, it’s buggin you?” he asked and I shook my head. 

“I-it wasn’t i’m just…it’s s’much and I love it but ‘m just…I dunno- hands is a game we like, hold up your hands like this” I show him and he copies. 

“I cant win y’re too strong so just let me push on you” I said and he nods.

 “Push away baby” he smiled a bit and I connected our palms, putting all of my strength into pushing him but of course he didnt budge, he had a little less then a foot and a bit more then 100 pounds on me, so that was to be expected. But the relief of focusing all my energy in to somewhat of a physical release had the same effect.

I gave him a hug when my arms felt like Jelly and rest my cheek on his chest. “Can y’cover my ear so it’s more quiet” I asked him and he nodded, gently covering up my exposed ear with his hand and kissing the top of my head sweetly. I closed my eyes, sighing as I felt a sense of relief flood my senses at the much more dulled noise. “Thank you” I mumble and he rubbed my back gently with is other hand.

About 10 minutes later when the line finally started moving, I’d felt much better and way more regulated. “M’ better, thank you Bear” I told him, puckering my lips.

“Any time angel, y’know I brought your airpods f’you, right? In case you wanted to listen to music in the car? They’re charged, they have the noise cancellation thing on them” he said and my mouth drops.

“Carmen” I said in shock.

“What?!” He chuckles, digging in his pockets and pulling out my pink airpods case. 

“You are the most thoughtful man in the god damn world baby, how did I get so fuckin’ lucky? I didn’t even think of the noise cancellation, y’re so fuckin smart, Bear” I cupped his cheeks, pulling him down for a deep loving kiss.

He pulled away, quicker then I would like, but I still knew he’s a bit shy when it comes to showing love in public. His cheeks were bright pink, and a smile danced on his lips.

“Totally not, but f’some reason I guess you bring the thoughtfulness outta me” he said, slipping the case back in his jeans pocket. I linked our arms together and he got the tickets ready, and Sadie taps both our shoulders suddenly.

We looked back at her, seeing she was holding her phone up “Cheese lovebirds!” She chirps and I smile wide, Carm leans in and kisses my cheek sweetly. “I’m convinced you don’t want Syd and I’s family seeing your face, Carmen” she teases and I giggle, smushing his cheeks and holding his face towards the camera, laughing 

“Get it Sadie!! Quick!” I said and she clicked the button a few times. 

“Perfect got one not blurry one with a smile, thanks Pooh” she slips her phone in her pocket. We got up to the gate and Carm hands the woman scanning our tickets.

“Us five” he motions to us and she nodded, scanning them all. “Enjoy the show, bag check’s up at the doors” she said, handing the tickets back and he put them back in the envelope, and back in my purse securely before we continued on.

“Alright baby so you guys go do your bracelets, Richie, Eva and I are gonna wait for y’re shirts n’ stuff, d’you want drink money?” He asks and I shake my head.

“No sugardaddy i’m fine” I teased, giving him a peck on the lips. “I love you, see you in like 30- er 45 ok? We’ll meet- “ I look over near the doors to see there was a little garden section with a smokers area. “Perfect! Smoke garden there” I point and he nods.

“I love you, be safe yeah? Call me f’r anything y’need” he held my waist securely, waiting for a response.  “Yessss Carmy!” I giggled, “Were amongst friends here, you’ll see everyone is so super nice” I link my arm in Sadies, heading off to meet new fans.

“Oh my god you girls look awesome can my daughter take a picture with the two of you?” a blonde woman asks Sadie and I, I smiled wide - this was not the first time tonight we’d gotten that. Our outfits were an absolute hit tonight. 

“Why of course! Would the two of you like to trade bracelets?” I asked, getting down to the level of the miniature copy of the mother, offering her a “Evermore” bracelet in my hand, adorned with maroon, green and brown beads. 

“Yes please” she said shyly, taking one of the bracelets off her wrist that were much oversized and handing one to me then to Sadie, to which she put a “Karma” bracelet in her hand in return. As we were ending the conversation, Sadie opens her purse, handing over my phone. 

“Carmen” she told me. 

“Sorry ladies- it was so nice talking, my boyfriend is trying to get ahold of us- have a fabulous time” I told them and slid to answer, not even remembering to checking the time. 

“Baby! We just got to the garden, where are you, you alright?” He said. I smile a bit, looking over about 100 paces to my right seeing him standing there, in the smokers garden holding the phone to one ear and a cigarette in the other, taking a drag as he waited for my response.

“Bear” I giggle “Look - mmm- 2 oclock?” I said and he turns the opposite way. “Y’know, f’r a guy thats obsessed with time, y’re shit at finding someone on the clock analogy” I teased and he turned the other way, the setting June sun allowing him to find me and Sadie nearly immediately from the sunlight bouncing off our outfits.

“Jesus dunno how I missed you guys y’re like fuckin bottles of glitter” he chuckled and I hung up, grabbing Sadies arm and leading her over to him. 

“Thank you” I replied when I got up to him, kissing his cheek. “Carmen” I said, looking at the four bags of merch sitting on the table. His cheeks heat slightly. 

“Okay- babe, listen, s’you told me y’wanted that crewneck, and the tshirt, but I f’rgot which t’shirt and I was not waiting in that line again for another hour and a half - so- so I just got like…one of everything - and I also got one for Sadie- perfectly reasonable a-and I got Eva some extra stuff too. But- s’you…just-just chill out here, and i’m gonna go bring this stuff t’the car with Richie.” he said and I laugh.

“Bear! Oh my god- no more gifts until my birthday!” I told him and he chuckled, picking up two of the bags. “Can’t promise anything like that baby, call me if-” I finished for him.

“We need anything” I kissed his lips sweetly. “Thank y’Carmy, really, y’didn’t have to go all out like this - I’ll…” I took a deep breath, trying to contain my emotions. “I’ll never forget this, baby” I said softly, doing everything in my power to hold the tears back.

“I know you wont, angel. I love you” he kissed my forehead sweetly and he and went off with Richie. I sat down immediately after they left, my hip was already starting to feel tight due to the heels and all the up and down crouching to meet little fans. 

“Ooo Eva! Look another little girl in a Fearless dress! Y’wanna go give her a Fearless bracelet?” Sadie asks her and she nods excitedly, holding her hand as they walked over. I watched them, smiling as I did so- taking everything in. 

By the time Carm and Richie had gotten back, Sadie and I were once again tipsy off of the drinks she’d ran and gotten us from the bar truck, and I had been smart enough to sneak in some shots in my bra to give them the extra kick. She’d even gotten Eva a virgin one of her own in the same fancy disposable cup, so she wouldnt feel left out. 

“Fuck you walk fast” Richie says, plopping down in the seat across from me at the little patio table we’d claimed, panting. 

“You walk slow as shit Cousin” Carm pats my shoulder for me to get up and sit in his lap, for which I was very grateful- because even through the alcohol my hip began throbbing from sitting on the hard metal chair. 

I get up, taking my spot in his comfortable lap and sighing in relief. He digs out a cigarette from his jacket pocket he’d put on, lighting one between his lips. The sun had already went down most of the way and the 60 degree weather, which was cold to me- wasn’t going to do anything good for my hip.  “Did y’bring mine?” I ask him quietly. 

“Y’re prerolls baby? I brought 3 f’you, you hurtin’ already?” he asks after he took a drag. I bit the inside of my lip gently and shrug, looking at my lap. “Alright no more bracelets, I want y’to be able to enjoy y’rself baby, here” he hands me his cigarette to hold for him while he dug my preroll out of his pocket, lighting it for me before we switched. I leaned against his chest, taking a drag and blowing it away from the table. 

“Thank y’for remembering, Bear” I said softly and he wrapped his arm around my waist securely, rubbing my good hip gently. 

“Course angel” He mutters and kisses my shoulder before having another drag of his cigarette.

By the time I finished my preroll, I was feeling much better, the pain was mostly non-existant and would stay that way for hopefully a few hours. I finished the rest of my drink on the way in to bag check, chucking the disposable cup with Taylors name on it in the garbage.

By the time we’d gotten to our seats Sadie, Eva and I were balls of excitement. The view of the stage was insane. Sadie and I were in the upper bowl last time, so seeing how really big the stage was, was crazy. My head - Carms head, wouldnt even hit the top of it, which told me that it had to be taller then 6 feet. “Y’know” I said, to Carm, “I don’t know why I thought the stage would be…shorter? But Taylor wears 6 inch heels, so shes 6’5? 6’6 in her shoes? So to get around under there-”

“Six fucking foot?!” he exclaimed, eyes wide. I laughed at his surprise.

“Yaaas! 6 foot tall amazonian goddess” I giggle and he raised his eyebrows.

“Shit I knew she was tall but when I met ‘er the other-” he slaps his hand over his mouth, and my eyes nearly bulge out of my head, and Richie and Sadies head snap in his direction. 

“You WHAT?!”

“YOU MET WHO!?”

“BEAR WHAT” 

Sadie, Richie and I all spoke at once and he shakes his head. “No- Like- no” he laughs nervously, shaking his head. “No not what I meant- I meant if y’know like if I met ‘er” he said, and I knew he was lying through his teeth.

“Did you meet Taylor Alison Swift, yes or no- if you lie, I will never let you touch me again” I said, staring into his very soul. It only took about 3 seconds for him to crack.

“Itwasonlyf’rlike3minutesandshegavemetheticketscauseherboyfriendlikesitalianfood” he blurted out and my eyes widen.

“No - no- Carmen. You MET HER?!” I said and he gives me a shy nervous smile.

“Mmmhmm..but like- 2 seconds babe- and- yeah shes fuckin huge- like- so tall” he said and I shook my head. 

“What did you say to her- go, in your brain- now - because I know you have a fucking photographic memory, and tell me what transpired, Carmen. Tell me” I squeeze his wrist in anticipation and he sighed. 

“That- that you really wanted t’come here, and that you love her music, and that- that she reminds me of a cat? And she laughed! I made her laugh babe” he said smiling bigger.

My jaw drops once more “SADIE” I lean over, looking at her. “Do you know what this MEANS?! TAYLOR Thinks MY Boyfriend is FUNNY! That means…that means- she likes what I like…so- oh my god- we’d totally be friends- Carm likes you, Carm likes me- She liked Carm, She likes us!!!” I said excitedly and Sadie nods with a big smile.

“We are so delulu” she said, laughing and Carm chuckles. 

“The hell is delulu?” He questions and I laughed.  “Delusional my lovely old man” I peck his lips gently and he shakes his head with a smile.

I had forced myself to sit suring the BOYGENIUS set, even though I did quite enjoy them, I had to save my energy for Taylor. I made a bit of an acception for Sabrina though, since Sadie and I hadn’t seen her before, and her stage presence was so magnetic that we just couldn’t help but get up and dance.

When the clock came on the screen, Richie, Sadie, Eva and I shot up out of our seats and Carm got the hint as well. “Alright baby whats happening” He asked and I giggle, jumping like a kid on Christmas with excitement. 

“The QUEEN is about to come out!” I said in his ear over the screaming and looked back to the screen, my hands coming to my mouth in anticipation. 

At the sound of the first ‘It’s been a long time comin’ Sadie, Eva, Richie and I scream. 

“FUCK YEAHHH!!!” Richie whoops, causing me to giggle. I held Sadies hand tightly as the dancers come out with the breathtaking watercolor shell like billowing tapestries, bowing at the front of the stage over where Taylor comes out. 

Carm leans over, “What’s with the flags baby?” he asked in my ear.

I gently rest my hand on my cheek, he crouches down slightly so I could hear him. “Its the birth of Venus, the analogy” I told him and he nods. I let go of his hand as the beginning sequence ended putting my hands on top of my head, completely unsure how to cage the all-consuming surge of emotions coursing through my veins.

‘It’s been a long time comin’ but- Its you and me- Thats my whole world! They whisper in the hallway ‘shes a bad bad girl’ Okay! The whole school is rollin’ fake dice, you play stupid games you win stupid prizes!’ 

Sadie, Richie, Eva and I go nuts, scream singing every word, dancing and jumping. I didnt even realize I was crying until I felt Carm’s hand around my waist, leaning down and saying in my ear, “Havin’ fun honey?” 

I looked up to him, Smiling huge “THE MOST FUN EVER! I LOVE YOU!!!” I shout loud enough for him to hear, kissing his lips lovingly before continuing to watch. Sadie and I dance and sing and scream for the rest of Miss Americana, and when It got to the Cruel Summer bridge, the whole stadium was buzzing with excitement. 

“Alright New York City!” Taylor says and everyone screams in response. “We have arrived, at the very first bridge this evening- And you may know this is my only show in this beautiful city that is my home away from home- So I want you to scream it!!! Lets Go!!” and scream it Sadie, Eva, Richie and I do. 

During Lover, Carm sweetly held me as we swayed and listened, his arms wrapped around my waist and I rested my head against his chest, soaking in the sweetness of the moment. And of course, during The Archer, her comforted me while I cried because of how much the song meant for me and my anxiety problems, kissing my forehead and gently wiping my tears. 

During Fearless Eva spun in the isle while Taylor did, and I could’ve sworn Taylor saw her by the kiss she blew in our direction between verses - but all of my intuition was shown to be right, because during the ‘Enchanted’ era, A woman in a black tshirt and black pants comes up to our isle, walking infront of me and Carm down to Richie and Evas seat, and whispers something in Richies ear, to which he nods very quickly, before leaning down and whispering something in Evas ear and she jumps up and down, until the woman in the black shirt whispers something else in her ear and she very quickly calmed down, nodding obediently and taking the womans hand.

Sadie gives me wide eyes as shes taken with the woman and stands up with the woman where the barricade is. “What’s goin on with Eva?” Carm asks in my ear. 

It took everything in me to not burst in to tears knowing how much this was going to mean to Eva. “Shes gonna get the hat!” I told him and his eyes widen. 

“During- during 22?” He asked and I nod excitedly. He got his phone out, ready to record. When the time came, Eva was brought to sit on a platform right in front of the stage, and was sitting on her knees as she patiently waited, wiggling around to the song.

Richie right behind her at the barricade in the isle, recording the whole interaction, and Sadie and I sing and dance to the song, relishing in the pure enchantment on Eva’s face as Taylor kneels in front of her, trading bracelets with her before putting the hat on her head and brushing the rim playfully and getting up to continue singing. As soon as the security lifted Eva back over the barricate, she sprints in to Richies arms, and he picks her up, spinning her around and kissing her cheek. 

“Oh my godddd!” I said my heart melting at the sight and Carm stops filming, I look up to see a few stray tears wetting his cheeks as well.

“Ohhhh my sweet bear” I said, rubbing his chest gently. 

“Holy fuck! Look at that!!” Richie said as he comes back to their seats. Eva bounces all around, a whole new fire to her energy. 

School on Monday is gonna be epic for her surely.

During All Too Well ten minute version, Carm and I decided to sit and have some water to let my hip get some much needed rest for a little bit. He wrapped his arm around me, leaning back in his seat and running a hand through his hair, yawning. “Tired?” I ask and he nodded a bit. 

“I didn’t think I would be t’be honest, y’know how late we stay up, think I just need a cigarette if ‘m honest” he said and I nodded. I rest my head on his shoulder, continuing to watch Taylor infront of us. 

Thankfully, the Folklore era was next, which wasn’t too much of a dancey album- so we all got to sit for 20 minutes through all too well, and betty, which was very nice that we had some time to recharge, especially since after this era, 1989 era was next, which Sadie and I were both huge fans of. I sat up for The Last Great American Dynasty though, Screaming along with Sadie, 

“There goes THE LOUDEST WOMAN THIS TOWN HAS EVER SEEN!!!” as did the majority of the crowd.

I held Carms hand during August, resting my head on his shoulder once more and he gives me a kiss on the forehead. “Is- is she barefoot babe?” he asks in my ear and I laughed, looking up at him.

“No silly- shes wearing ballet slippers? Like what ballerinas wear before they go on pointe?” I said and he nods. 

“Ahhh” he said and chuckled a bit. “S’rry they’re so close to her skin color” he said and I shook my head, giggling. 

Standing up right away with Sadie and Eva when she came over to our side to wave and waving at her excitedly, blowing kisses and holding up hearts. She smiles big and waves back at us that had to be for us- shes looking right at us.

Sadie and I jump and scream, remaining standing since she walked down the whole length of the stage, and we would get insane videos and pictures since she was going to stopping right in front of us or the majority of the song. 

It took my breath away, when she stopped, belting the bridge, and dropping to her knees right in front of us on the stage. ‘And I can go anywhere I want, Anywhere I want, just not home. And you can aim for my heart, go for blood. But you would still miss me in your bones. And I still talk to you - when I'm screaming at the sky, And when you can't sleep at night - you hear my stolen lullabies. I didn't have it in myself to go with grace and so the battleships will sink beneath the waves’ She stood up, her white gown flowing like angel wings as she spun around and began her decent back down the stage.

I wiped the tears streaming down my face from the touching performance, shaking my hands and rolling my shoulders when she song was over. Carm kisses my temple, “Y’happy angel?” He asked, and I look up at him as if he got me the moon on a fucking string.

“Happy? I’m…fuckin elated, baby- I cant even digest how happy I am right now” I laugh and pulled him in to a sweet kiss. 

We all sang and dance along to 1989, Carm being very proud of himself for knowing all the words- probably since they were so popular when he was living in New York, and he’d told me once while watching this era during the movie for the 50 millionth time, that alot of the songs they “played to death” in the restaurants he worked. 

It was so fuckin fun to watch him fully let loose, and dance with me, sing with me, not a speck of shyness to be found. It just turned up my fire to 100, giving me a whole new love for this album. 

“And to the fella over there with the hella good hair Won't you come on over, baby? We can shake, shake, shake” I sang along, ruffling Carm’s messy curls and he laughs, kissing me sweetly before the beat dropped again and I started bouncing and happily dancing again. 

At the beginning of Bad blood, I tap him and he leans in “ ‘sup baby?” he asks.

“When she says ‘If you live like that, you live with ghosts’ f’r the first time, you gotta screeeeam ‘you forgive, you forget, but you never let it go’- ok?” I told him and he nods, giving me a thumbs up.

“Got it” he said and I giggled happily, turning my attention back to the stage. When she sang it, without fail, Carm shouted along with Me, Sadie, Richie and Eva as promised and Richie slaps his back approvingly.

“Fuck yeahhh cousin!! You study?” He teased and Carm shook his head.

“No need,” he wraps his arm around me. “ Got a professional w’me most the time” he kissed my head and I laughed, resting my head on his shoulder lovingly.

When Taylor came out in her red surprise song dress, I held Carms hand, screaming excitedly. 

“Hellooooo” she said adorably, strumming her guitar. “So- you’ve made it to the acoustic set, if you didn’t know, every show I sing a few different songs from my catalog cause, y’can only fit so much into a concert- and I’ve been told i’ve released an ungodly amount of albums” she giggles, getting a ton of laughs from the crowd of course, we all fuckin’ adore her. 

“So tonight, I usually only take requests from friends, but I got this request the other day- and the songs actually sounded like they’d go cute together, and y’guys know me, of course i’ll spice em up for you a little” she said and started the opening chords.

“The way you move is like a full on rainstorm, and I’m a house of cards, you’re the kinda wreckless that should send me runnin’ but I kinda know that I wont get far” She sings, and I couldn’t contain it anymore- I burst into tears. This song means so much to me, the amount of times Chris and I listened to this song together- it was his favorite Taylor song, which led it to become my favorite song of hers after he passed. 

Carm rubs my arm gently, holding me to his chest and squeezing me gently. “I love you” he said in my ear and kisses my temple. I took a shaking breath, not even able to respond as this was the first time i’d heard this song live before, and all I could imagine was how much Chris would’ve loved this show. 

I lean in to him, watching the stage, and once Sadie realizes what was happening, she wraps her arms around me as well, resting her head on my shoulder. “He’s probably here, y’know, spiteful fuck wouldn’t come here in the afterlife unless you were with ‘em right? So lets party with em, not cry” Sadie said in my ear and I smiled, looking over at her.

“Have I told you you’re the bestest friend and my fuckin platonic soulmate?” I told her and she giggles, wiping my tears. 

“Yes, I believe once or twice, and you’re mine - now are we gonna cry during the bridge? Or are we gonna lose our fucking minds?” she asked and I nodded, holding her hand and sniffling, finding my composure once more. There would be loads of time to digest this and cry about it later on, for now I want to live in this beautiful, happy moment. 

“I run my fingers through your hair and watch the lights go wild!! Just keep on keepin’ your eyes on me, It's just wrong enough to make it feel right!” we held hands, dancing and laughing and singing. It truly was magical.

But I was awestruck when instead of finishing the bridge, she slips in to Mine instead, Carm and I’s song, the song that reminded me so much of him. I look at him, jaw dropped as she sings.

“Brace myself for the goodbye, cause it’s all i’ve ever known, but you took me by surprise- you said ‘I’ll never leave you alone..’ “ before slipping right back in to sparks fly, “Drop everything now, meet me in the pourin’ rain, kiss me on the sidewalk, take away the pain” and going back to Mine again, “He said ‘I remember how it felt sittin’ by the water, and every time I look at you it’s like the first time.” and going back again to sparks fly, “So get me with those green eyes baby as the lights go down give me somethin’ that’ll haunt me when i’m not around, cause i’ve seen sparks fly whenever you smile” before switching back again, “You made a rebel of a careless mans careful daughter you are the best thing, thats ever been mine. Do you believe it? And the sparks fly” 

I hugged him tightly, sobbing in to his chest. He doesnt know how much this means to me. For us to be here, together tonight, and for her to play 2 of the most important songs to me, the songs that remind me of the two people I love most - It was borderline overwhelming.

For the next song per usual she sat down at her piano, and without another speech, started playing the opening chords of Evermore and Sadie and I lost it, screaming ferally with the rest of the stadium once we realized which song it was. 

Carm laughs at our excitement, rubbing my back. “S’did she pick good ones t’night?” he asked in my ear. I look up at him, everything clicking in to place for how he planned every single thing about this night. 

I shook my head, laughing and pulling him to me. “You have unlimited head, for the rest of our lives” I told him and he laughed, kissing my cheek gently.

“I wont say no to that- if y’re offerin” he mused, patting my bum gently. I kiss him again and again, wrapping my arm around his middle and resting my head on his chest, hugging him tightly. 

“I love you” I said and kissed his neck sweetly. He brushed my sweaty curls from my forehead, gently stroking my cheek with his forefinger. 

“I love you baby, s’much, endlessly” he said and kissed my lips once more.

I rested in to him as he held me from behind, “This ones sad babe..but what the hell does unmoored mean?” he said in my ear and I giggle, Looking up at him.

“A mooring is where ships are docked during a storm, baby, if your ships unmoored- y’re fucked” I told him and he raised his eyebrows, nodding and continuing to listen along intently. 

He wraps his arms around me securely, resting his chin atop my head, and I’d never felt safer, more secure, more loved, and thought of, and listened to then I did in this moment. Hot tears stream down my cheeks but a huge smile was still plastered on my face. My entire chest felt warm, like I could explode with all of the love that was coursing through me, I felt like I was literally glowing.

When the song finished, I look up at him with a small sad pout. “Only one more era… then it’s all done” I said a bit sadly and he chuckles.

“Only one more baby? Your voice is already gone, I don’t think we could do anymore after it’s over” he said and kisses my forehead, wiping the residual tears from my cheeks and eyes. I giggled a bit.

“Sorry, I know my voice probably sounds annoying” I said and clear my throat, it did feel really raw, and sore as well. I was probably not gonna have much of a voice for a good few days.

He furrowed his eyebrows, “Baby, you could never annoy me, it’s cute - it shows you had alot of fun” he said, rubbing my hip gently. 

I lean in, kissing his lips gently before the beginning of Lavender Haze started and Sadie and I go nuts, - Richie just pumps his fist, as he was now holding a sleeping Eva in his arms and I pout, grabbing my phone and taking a photo before turning my attention back to the stage.

During Vigilante Shit, Carm leans down and says in my ear, “Y’gonna dance f’me like that in your pretty outfit baby?” he asked and I felt butterflies swarming in my stomach, if my cheeks werent already flushed from moving around so much i’d be blushing like mad.

“If you can handle it- we havent even got to the good part yet” I teased, kissing his jaw gently and he kissed my lips hungrily.

“T’morrow, i’m cashin in on one of those tickets f’head mentioned earlier, and y’re wearin’ that” he told me and I look up at him, a pesky smirk on my lips and I raised my eyebrows surprised at his boldness. 

“Someones in a mood” I giggled and peck his lips before turning my attention back to the stage. 

During Bejewled when Taylor came to the end of the stage shaking her hips to show off her fringe, I stepped in the isle, jumping and waving to try and get her attention and shook my hips, mirroring her. She smiled wide and pointed at me before she said her little ‘Nice!’ waving in my direction and I’m glad Carm had followed me in to the isle because when she walked away my knees nearly buckled under me. 

Sadie came over, jumping in excitement and patting my arm excitedly, “DUDE!!! DUDDEEEE!!! SHE SAID HIII!!!” She laughed and hugs me tight and we bounced and jumped and sang the rest of the whole song, nothing could’ve brought me down in that moment. 

We danced and sang to Mastermind, and when she came out with her Rainbow jacket, I point at her, tugging Carms sleeve and he leans down to hear me.

“I lied!!! If you can find one of those rainbow jackets for a reasonable price- I’ll accept” I told him and he laughs, nodding and giving me a thumbs up. 

“I’ll try t’find one f’you princess, promise” He kissed my temple. 

Carm and I danced hand in hand to Karma together, singing every lyric, him knowing them all since i’d listened to it so often with him around, and it was one of her more repetitive songs after all, pointing to him when we’d sing, ‘Karma is my boyfriend’, dancing, jumping around, laughing, fully enjoying ourselves. We all needed this. 

When the song ended, and Taylor was thanking her band and dancers, a man with a stage headset wearing black jeans and a black shirt, similar to the woman who collected Eva, came down the row, stopping at Carm and saying something in his ear.

He looks back at them, a confused look on his face, “Who? I don’t know anyone in there-” he said and the man leaned in again, saying something else in his ear and Carm’s eyebrows raised in surprise. He looked at me before back at the man. “Okay- but i’m takin’ her.” he said, pointing to me, and the man shook his head.

“Just you-” he replied over the music and Carm shakes his head in response.

“Tell ‘em I said where I go, she goes, so he can fuck all the way off if she can’t come with” he said and the man shrugged, walking off again. 

“What was that?” I asked him over the music. 

“Travis Kelce wanted t’talk t’me? But the douche said only I could go, ‘mnot doin’ that” he shook his head, resuming clapping and cheering with the rest of the crowd. My jaw drops and I hit his arm gently.

“Babe! What the hell? No!!! Go over there!!! Do you know how much business it would bring if he talked about The Bear on his podcast?” I asked and he shrugs in response.

“Don’t care, I need y’with me babe. I can’t talk t’him without you, Taylor will probably be there- I can’t just…go meet her without you, thats fucked” he said and I pout, hugging his arm and the same man comes over again.

“Alright, but just you, and her, no one else” he explained and Carm nods, grabbing his jacket from the chair and lacing our fingers together as we followed. I felt my heart racing. So hard that I felt my pulse in my throat, it was taking everything in me to just pay attention to each step and not stumble over my own feet. 

We’re led to a white tent, various famous people standing about, but the tallest person there also- seemingly the biggest personality in the room, had invited us. “Yoooooo there he is! Bro- wassup!” he comes over, giving Carm a guy hug, patting his back firmly.

“Y’guys like the show? Fuckin’ crazy shit right!!” he said. His voice was booming, and I thought Carmy was loud- even he wouldn’t win in a screaming match with this guy. 

“Yeah, really awesome she puts on a fantastic show, Nice t’meet you I’m Carmen- everyone usually just calls me Carm though, and this is my girl, Winnie” he said and I smiled nervously, giving a small wave. I literally could find no words to say to this man, I felt everything I said would make it back to Taylor and I’d end up embarrassing myself. 

“Winnie!! Cool like the bear? Sick name, that outfits firreee girl! Where’d you get it?” he asks and my eyes widen and I looked down at my outfit and back at him, my cheeks going red.

“Uh- I-I made it?” I said in awe that he recognized anything at all about me. Mostly the fact that he was a guy, a football jock at that, but also - he is dating the most beautiful, sought after women in the world at the moment.

“Whaaat?! Shit!! You Swifties are crazy Taylor’s gonna love that she should be-” 

“TRAVYYYY” we heard and I spun around so fast I thought my head may fly off to see Taylor fucking SWIFT barreling up to her boyfriend, and jumping into his arms- wrapping herself around him the same way I did with Bear. My grip on his arm tightened and I look up at him like an absolute deer in headlights.

“C’mon- go say hi princess, shes really nice” he whispers in my ear. 

“Thereee she is, you did so amazing honey!” Travis told her, spinning her around causing her to laugh excitedly. 

“Oh my god- Heyyy Chef! Did Travis drag you over here?” she asked, hopping down from his arms and Carm chuckled a bit.

“Hardly dragged, but uh yeah- great- awesome show, still stand by what I said about the cat thing, though” Carm said with one of his teasing grins and I just look between them, in utter shock. He was playing around with her?!

She laughed, turning to Travis  “Trav- he told me that I remind him of his cat during tolerate it, y’know I was thinking about that the whole song” she said and Travis chuckles.

“Thats the highest compliment you could’ve given her. Her and cats is somethin’ else. But- look babe” he told her and motions to my outfit.

“T she made that” he said and my heart was thumping so hard it felt like it would fly out of my chest. I felt so small in front of her, both physically and emotionally. I was unsure why I felt this way, the love I had for the woman in front of me was unreal, but there was like a…mental block? Anything i’d ever wanted to tell her had slipped my mind, and my whole brain was dark and empty. 

“Oh my GOD no way! Crazy holy shit” she said coming over and running her fingers over the beads. Carm nudges me gently, urging me to talk to her.

“Tell her baby, about all the beads” he said and I swallow thickly, nodding.

“I-um- Hi I-im Winnie..it’s like- This is crazy I-wow… um - so- so see um…they're in clusters of 13 and 7 alternating, a-and.. There are 89…rows, um each- each section. S-so like this panel and the back one a-and then, I didn’t plan it, but each um..each big bead it ended up being perfect if I secured them 13 times, s-so they’d like stick up how y’rs do” I rambled nervously and she leaned in, looking closer.

“Wow” she whispered, “This is sick- you’re a professional then?” she stood up straight, towering over me once more and I looked up at her.

“Um” I manage to get out.

“She could be- she spent…what was it babe? 450 hours on this? And y’took that sewing class, and that rhinestone class and everything?” Carm encourages, it’s not supposed to be him who’s the talker. He’s probably panicking right now and i’m gonna be the reason for a panic attack when we got out of here.

“Yeah! Mmmhmm- and y’re like- wow Taylor” my sudden realization such a high stakes social situation would absolutely be freaking him out. “I- like- I’ve been such a fan of your art since like- Middle School- I- I couldn’t see you until I was older cause’- y’know, life gets in the way, but- last year I got this-” I paused, pulling up my hair and showing her the little mirrorball script tattoo on the back of my neck.

She gasped, running her finger over it gently, and even though I was hot, goosebumps still rose on my flesh. “ Wow “ she said softly. “Thats…thats so pretty…I love the grey its so delicate and pretty” she said.

I turned to her again, smiling big and taking her hands. “Thats how I am about everything you accomplish - just, Wowed everything you do, everything you are- like- you’ll be in the history books- there are so many things about you and your career that are like- just..like-” I laugh, shaking my head. “How do you do it? I know thats like… a stupid question? But like- It’s…like insanity” I said and she laughs a bit, nodding. 

“Thank you! Honestly I-I don’t…really know? Alot of times…Like- I can tell we’re not too far apart in age just by how you carry yourself and stuff and… hearing you listened to me in middle school- it’s like- crazy because I’ve lived one million lives since then…I guess thats how? But really..it means alot that my art means alot to you, and i’m so grateful that you came. The tattoo is so pretty, also- your name is just like…Adorable” she squeezed my hands and I felt tears welling up behind my eyes.

“I’m so sorry to be a freak and cry, you’re just, so special, like- not in a fan way- in a human way. You-” I took a deep breath. “You are a light, a beacon for so so many young women, Taylor. And you have been for so long - and you will only get better, you have proved that. Like- i’m not sure if some guy really told you your aura was moonstone, but it truly is, you just sparkle, and - you like…are just- Thank you, for being you, and thank you for being so raw in your music, and just…thank you” I said and she pulls me into a hug, wrapping her arms around me. 

“Thank you, Winnie” she said, rubbing my back. I internally was uncontrollably sobbing and screaming but- on the outside, I somehow managed to just hold her back and hug her like a normal person. 

“I’m sorry- im sure you’re probably annoyed with hearing that stuff but…it’s true, and- I…I guess thats what makes you you- is how humble you are…like- you know I’ve never heard a bad word about you?” I asked and she laughed, pulling away and looking at me.

“C’mon, y’re kidding” she rolled her eyes with a smile, “I’ve seen plenty of awful things about me” she said and I shook my head.

“N-no! No, Taylor, like- sure do people come after your looks, and your voice, because thats all they have to try and pick apart- shallow bullshit..even though you’re like- factually a model - and any person who’s studied a lick of music knows that you have an undeniably insane range and incredible vocal and breath control- this isn’t out of my ass Taylor, I-I was in theater because you inspired me...I was like ‘if this cool 16 year old can put out an album I can do a play’ and I did.. But-but this is about you. I’ve never heard a bad word about you- I’ve been in your fandom for gosh- a year after you started in 2006? All over.. Gee- twitter, facebook, myspace, the old swift app, everything, And i’ve never ever-ever seen someone online or in real life thats like ‘oh my gosh i met Taylor Swift and she is sooo mean’ - anything i’ve ever heard, about things that matter- you are a beautiful, humble, kind person.” I said and she pouted, pulling me into another hug.

“Are you trying to make me cry?” She asks with a giggle, holding me tight. Her PR manager, Tree, comes into the VIP tent. 

“Lets get a move on chicky poo - gotta be on the plane in an hour,” she told Taylor and she pulled away. 

“Duty calls” she sighs and I giggled.

“It was..enchanting to meet you Miss Swift” I said with a smile and she laughs, pulling me into another hug.

“I like you, you’re sweet, we’ll meet again sometime, ok? Trav is over there chattin’ up your boyfriend to get us into his restaurant for a night” she assured and I look up at her.

“What?! Oh my GOD! Thats…wow- we’d love to have you in Chicago.” I said and Carm comes up, grabbing my wrist.

“C’mon, we’ve been kicked” he joked and Travis laughs a bit.

“I’ll text you man, we’re gonna have a few spare days later this month i’ll try to give plenty of notice” Travis said, coming over and wrapping his arms around Taylors middle and kissing her head.

“Y’ready?” he asks her and she nods, sighing a bit.

“Exhausted” she told him and I squeeze her hand.

“Get some rest, y’deserve it. Kick ass show by the way- I’d go every night if I could- also, sorry I sound like…this- I wasn’t kidding when I said I love your music” I giggled a bit and she nods, smiling big.

“I love it - means you had a great time, ginger tea, and lots of local honey you’ll be good as new in a day or two if you just chug it consistently, its mostly water anyway” she said and I nod, finally letting her go. 

“Thank you again…See you soon” I said and we all said our goodbyes. As soon as we were out of eye and ear shot I laugh loudly, jumping up and down, dancing around. “CARMENNNN!!!” I squeaked, hugging him and jumping happily. 

“Bear- She likes me” I said excitedly, practically dragging him outside where Richie, Eva, and Sadie were sat at one of the smoke garden tables, Sadie jumps up, bounding over to me and I hug her. 

“Dude- everything tell me everything” She said, I broke down in to tears.

“Shes so sweet Sadie!! She- she said she liked my outfit!! A-and Carmy and Travis are gonna be BEST FRIENDS” I cried and she rubs my back. Carmen laughed, for once at my tears, but it was tears of pure joy, so neither of us felt bad at his amusement for my emotional reaction. “Dude-WAIT- of course she liked it - C’mon- what did she say, like- start to finish also- why is Carm gonna be his best friend?” and the entire walk back to the car, as well as the whole drive home, Carm and I gave the three of them a play by play of our entire 10 minute meeting with them.

➵ 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 ♡♡♡ ⋙

[zot3-flopped]

Yes!!! Like, she’s had organic reigns before. Why not let the work speak for itself if you’re that confident in it (I guess she’s not…) ? Why FORCE it, especially when everyone KNOWS you are? How are you even proud or excited, it’s not even an achievement. I don’t see how she doesn’t realize this will alienate her from literal legends she respects who will recognize this has fraudulent behavior and will undoubtedly speak on it someday soon. Her entire career she’s run from the notion that she’s like any other modern pop star and that she’s a ~musician~ who deserves a spot among the greats — and honestly, she loosely had it, and we’re watching it fall before our eyes. Yet she keeps doing it😭😭 I also see there’s a lot of discussion on Cages here and omg yes. She would’ve DIED on the hill taylor and joe were “e-word” as she called it, going as far as to point out where she believed Taylor was hiding her ring in pictures. People would say things like “well in the chance they break up…” and she’d be like Well That Won’t Happen. then with Matty, she spent weeks saying “guys this is just a rebound just a phase every girl needs one” and then she releases the album and it’s actually been a decade long wish in the back of her head and she considered him the love of her life. Then after the initial shock of that dies down Cages is back to saying Taylor was “unwell” during that time, and takes her “In Summation” poem that’s in the physicals literally when she says “it wasn’t love, it was mutual self harm, a manic phase.” As someone who prides herself on lyric analysis, how does she not see in summation is a legal term and taylor is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity to the public court and that’s the only reason she said that? Ppl LIE to get off as not guilty, lol, she told the truth in the songs. Now she’s talking about Travis like she used to talk about joe, speculating how many days a week they see each other, claiming Taylor will move to KC for him (when I thought she celebrated when Taylor went back to nyc and later condemned Joe for having her move to London….) , that they’ve “decided to spend their lives together” — like, WHO told you that? Surely not Taylor? Why should everyone “trust” your expertise again when you’ve been wrong every single time? As if meeting Taylor twice in one week six years ago means she knows her better than ppl in her personal life. Lol give me a break

Excellent points! 👏👏👏

Cages is 31 and living vicariously through Taylor and her boyfriends, fathoms deep in an unhealthy parasocial relationship. She has no time or inclination to find her own Travis or Joe because Taylor soaks up all her energy.

[electrictouchtvftv]

okay. i just landed a gold mine. i cant give too many details but basically i found someone who was selling unreleased Taylor stuff, and I bought a few songs. I’m not willing to share them just yet as I paid a pretty penny, but I’d love to share them one day. I wanted to write out descriptions for each song I received to give everyone a glimpse into Taylor’s unreleased stuff! I can see why most of these songs were left behind (not that they’re bad! But the stuff she released during this era is definitely mostly better in my opinion), but they’re still great songs and I am SO overjoyed to be able to listen to them. (side note: i was told these are all Fearless/Speak Now rejects, I can’t really confirm but they’re definitely around that time, i’d say the latest one is probably Bother Me, it almost sounds like it could fit on Red. But i’m not sure, I wasn’t told when EXACTLY these were written, just that they were early!) ALSO i don’t really use tumblr, but i figured it was the best place to share this!

Bother Me - Taylor’s frustrated with someone who isn’t respecting her space. They think they know her better than she does herself, and feels entitled to her business. In the final chorus, she finally puts her foot down and confronts them. It has more of a rock vibe, kinda similar to The Story of Us and Electric Touch.

Someone Just Told Me - This one describes Taylor having trust issues because she’s been betrayed so many times in her life. But she’s learning how to let people in in spite of that. It explores the fear of trusting somebody new and the vulnerability that comes with giving someone your heart

Wonderful Things - This one is interesting, it’s kind of like a grown of version of the older song Live For The Little Things. Taylor reminds herself to take time to appreciate the little “wonderful” things in life. She tries her best to find the joy in everything even when she’s in a rough patch. She wants to see the beauty and magic in every moment. Incredibly beautiful, I have no idea why this was left off of any of the re records.

His Lies - On the opposite side of the coin, this song is a stark contrast from SJTM. Taylor trusted a boy with her whole life, only to find out she’s been lied to the whole time. It’s sort of bittersweet though, as in the end it touches on forgiveness and learning from her past mistakes. She won’t let his actions keep her in the past. I think this one may be the earliest

Too Beautiful - This one is a super fun, upbeat song. It’s about falling in love and realizing that you’re in way over your head. Taylor wanted to take things slowly, but she can’t resist the urge to spend every last second with the one she loves. She can’t get enough of them. This is one of my favorites of all time, it’s just so feel-good and happy. It has a similar production style to Superman, but in my opinion is a much better song!

[finalgirlkateausten]

a brief interruption

Set after SG-1 3x06 Point of View; Sam can't help but tease Jack after he returns to their reality. Title from Glitch by Taylor Swift which is just too perfect for this ep. (Side note, I know the SG-1 team doesn't necessarily live on base, but. It's 0230 and i only started writing this at like midnight. Let's ignore those specifics and just enjoy the Sam/Jack messiness 💗)

Major Samantha Carter has an incredibly high threshold for what she considers ‘weird’. With the amount of shit she sees in a week, there are things that would send the average civilian running for the hills that she won’t even set her coffee down for. She’s friends with little gray men. She’d practically adopted a child rescued from an alien planet. Almost nothing fazes her.

Almost nothing.

Pacing back and forth across her quarters, she decides that today might just be the weirdest fucking day she’s ever had. It’s already after midnight, but if she was going to be able to sleep tonight, she would’ve done it by now. The lab is empty when she gets there, but that’s how she likes it. Nobody there but her and her thoughts.

Unfortunately, her thoughts do not want to focus on energy generation or stabilizing the system she’d cracked the code on earlier with her alternate self. She keeps looking from the prototype to her notes from earlier, but she’s not processing any of it. She sits at the desk, hunched over with her elbow on the table, but her hand that’s supposed to be writing keeps traveling to her own face, her knuckles rubbing over her cheekbone like she’d watched Jack do as he’d held her alternate self, so gently, so tenderly. Forget the kiss, she’s jealous of the way the other Sam had gotten to lean into him, to draw comfort from his warm, solid form.

Wait. Jealous? Sam frowns down at her notes. Where had that come from? She’s not jealous, not of any of it. Her heart goes out to the other Sam, who had lost her world and everyone she loved and still kept fighting to move forward, move on. But that’s it. Admiration, respect, maybe some pity. No jealousy.

She drops her pen on the desk and unplugs the wires she’d hooked to the prototype. She’s not focused enough to work tonight. But going back to her quarters just to lie in the dark doesn’t feel like a good idea either. Sam sighs and wanders down the halls until she finds the mess, predictably deserted.

She doesn’t even get four spoonfuls of cereal into her mouth before it becomes un-deserted.

Jack startles when he spots her, nearly dropping the meal he’s just microwaved. “Carter. Hi.”

Sam waves her spoon at him. “Burning the midnight oil, sir?”

He snorts and shakes his head, sitting down across the table from her. “Trying to decide what the hell to put in that mission report.”

If she’s bewildered by the events of the day, she can’t imagine how he feels. “I bet.” She takes another bite of cereal but speaks around it, before she can stop herself. “So, how was it?”

Jack doesn’t answer immediately, but his smirk says he knows what she’s asking about. “Terrible,” he says drily, the word soaked in sarcasm.

Sam smothers a laugh. “I’m so sorry.” She rests her chin on one hand, more comfortable teasing him back now that his eyes have that familiar twinkle of amusement. “I’m sure I would do it better.” She’s not; the other version of herself had been so touchy-feely and sentimental and open, all qualities Sam feels further away from every year. But that doesn’t matter, because she’s joking. She’s joking.

“Too bad we’ll never find out.” Jack is still holding eye contact, still smirking, and if Sam didn’t know better she would think he was leading her on, that he was flirting back.

Back? No. She’s not flirting. Is she?

“Of course not,” she agrees, biting her lip. “It’s against regulations. And you’d never break any rules, would you, Colonel?”

It’s pretty dark in the mess, which must be why Jack’s pupils are so dilated. “Now, Major,” he says, his voice slow and sure, “that sounds like a challenge.”

“Security teams are probably dozing,” she points out, her heart rate ramping up. This is so incredibly stupid, and she was joking, and now neither of them are. “It wouldn’t be a challenge, just an experiment. You know. Further research into the differences in alternate realities…”

“Well, you scientists do love your research,” Jack murmurs. He’s leaning across the table already.

Sam shoves her bowl out of the way, milk splashing over her fingers. “This definitely doesn’t need to go in the mission report.”

Jack takes her chin in one hand when he kisses her, pulling her toward him until their lips meet. He’s bracing himself against the table, so that firm grip is the only place he’s touching her, aside from the kiss. Sam, on the other hand, is digging her fingers into his shoulders, his BDU jacket seeming impossibly thin, with the amount of heat she can feel radiating off him through the fabric. He’d pulled her off balance and she’d gasped and then his tongue was in her mouth, which, holy shit.

All she’s been able to think about all night is kissing Jack O’Neill. Now that she’s doing it, her mind is incredibly, blissfully blank.

She’s practically panting when Jack leans back. It takes a few seconds for her to remember how to form words again. “So?” she asks, her voice huskier than normal, “who was better?”

Jack licks his lips. “Y’know, it was close. Maybe I need another try?”

The second kiss is somehow, mind-blowingly, even better.

Sam still gives him a third, though.

Just to make sure.

[lazysublimeengineer]

what if all I need is you?

Summary: I might as well be drunk in love.

Characters: Isagi Y. & Hiori Y.

(A/N: Inspired by the 1989 FTV, “Slut!” I don’t own anything from this franchise. Respective ownership belongs to Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura for this wonderful manga and to Taylor Swift for this beautiful yet melancholic song. Lastly, please be mindful of the tags. Unnecessary complaints and comments will not be tolerated as sufficient warnings were provided in the tags. Some dialogues in the earlier part of the fic are excerpts from the latest chapter of the manga itself hence the spoiler tags.)

Flamingo pink, Sunrise Boulevard

Clink, clink, being this young is art

Aquamarine, moonlit swimmin’ pool

What if all I need is you?

“Let’s do this. Until we become the best players in the world.” Isagi remarked smilingly at him at the end of the match to which they had won.

A devious smirk inched across Hiori’s lips as he heard Isagi’s bright, optimistic words.

“Nah... I won’t play this kind of tag-team football with you anymore.” Hiori replied lightly but his words hung heavily into the air which made Isagi taken aback.

“Eh...?”

Hiori resisted the urge to laugh at his face.

Ah. Isagi can be adorable off the field sometimes. He was an open book when he wasn’t using his tactical mind in strategizing and manipulating the variables around the field when they’re playing soccer.

His eyes were clearer, curious and sincere which stirred something inside of Hiori.

“From now on, I’m gonna play a brand of football that will produce the best striker in the world!” He declared proudly.

“Hiori...” Isagi blinked owlishly at him.

“To be quite honest, I was planning on quitting after this match... But after being a part of that goal... After experiencing that thrill, that ego...”

Hiori trailed off for a moment and locked his deep gaze at him.

“If strikers can’t understand and keep up with my passes... I’ll discard them without a second thought. That goes for you too, Isagi-kun...” He grinned widely at him.

Isagi grew quiet at his words for a moment before he grinned back devilishly at him.

“Hah. Why you... Contrary to your calm demeanor, you’re quite a sadist aren’t you?”

A dark chuckle slipped past Hiori’s lips.

‘There’s no way in hell I can quit, idiot...’ He thought in fond exasperation.

Got love-struck, went straight to my head

Got lovesick all over my bed

Love to think you’ll never forget

Handprints in wet cement

Adorned with smoke on my clothes

Lovelorn and nobody knows

Love thorns all over this rose

I’ll pay the price, you won’t

“I’m an ultrasadist. Nice to meet ya.” Hiori said with a cheerful smile on his face.

His aquamarine irises gleamed under the sparkling lights of the stadium.

His wide-eyed gaze met Isagi’s deep, penetrating gaze and he resisted the urge to blurt out something stupid.

To blurt out something that might’ve come from his foolish heart.

In that moment, he didn’t need anyone.

He only needed Isagi’s attention and focus on him.

Because he knew that they could go beyond with them working hand in hand.

But that’s not what his ego says.

And for the first time in his life, he refuted the whisperings of his own heart and followed his awakened ego after that match.

‘From now on, my life will revolve around me.’

But if I’m all dressed up

They might as well be lookin’ at us

And if they call me a slut

You know it might be worth it for once

And if I’m gonna be drunk

I might as well be drunk in love

But of course, it was easier said than done.

Theoretically speaking, he could’ve done it easily inside his head.

Keeping those walls up. Painting an invisible line of boundary between the two of them.

Because Hiori knew he wouldn’t last inside this oppressive facility itself if he let his heart win and succumbed to those silly emotions that the blue-eyed striker was awakening inside of him.

It seemed that it wasn’t just his slumbering ego that was awakened by Isagi himself.

But also, his soporific heart that was asleep for a long period of time.

Maybe it was a test of fate.

An obstacle presented to him to test his control.

A simple accident on the field while they’re practicing on one on one with just the two of them.

Tripping on his shoelaces as he ran past the field and stumbling down on the grassy field with Isagi falling down with him.

Rolling unceremoniously on the ground with the other landing on top of him.

He should’ve put a stop to it the moment their eyes met.

He should’ve pushed him away when he had a chance.

But a lapse of judgment for those few seconds of silence and he let his heart win.

Once their lips touched one another, there was no turning back.

Hiori was a soldier in the middle of the war.

And he had fallen for the trap of the enemy.

Isagi had caught his fragile heart and soul in his grasp.

He didn’t protest as he looped his arms across his neck as he carried him to a secluded spot, completely drunk on his passionate kisses alone.

Everyone wants him.

And he was not immune to those ocean blue eyes and golden smile.

The very night was spent downing in the cacophony of their moans and sighs of pleasure with their limbs tangled with each other.

Everyone wants him, that was my crime

The wrong place at the right time

And I break down, then he’s pullin’ me in

In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman

(A/N: All I can say is the vault tracks of 1989 TV fits well with the theme of this ship. And I thought the song Style describes the Reosagi ship accurately. But as I listened to the vaults tracks of 1989, Hiosagi is the first ship that I can think of and their interactions and dialogues in chapter 239 have inspired me enough to write this oneshot for them. Review and kudos are much appreciated.)

[melodichaeuxx-lacritquexx]

But Beyoncé has made albums speaking and highlighting oppression so she should speak up about it. She was vocal during the blm movement and is an ally to the lgbtq community. Taylor hasn’t done anything to dedicate or show her support for the oppressed ppl except for one album and speaking against the re election of trump. Myself as a black fan I care more about B speaking out in support for the Palestinian people, she has a voice and she should use it.

See how respectful this ask was? Now that I can see your point anon, I can say that two things can be true: yes, she has in the past have spoken out against oppression. She also got backlash for it. She’s quiet and she gets backlash for it. She has a voice and while some will listen, it won’t matter at the end of the day, is what I’m trying to say.

Should she speak up? She could. But then it’ll be “well why hasn’t she said anything about Haiti? Why don’t she say anything about Congo or Sudan?” No matter what these celebrities do, speak up, not speak up, there will always be people who got a problem. She doesn’t display the movie, AMC does.

[the1975attheirverybest]

I’ve been a huge Taylor fan since 2009 and I 100% feel you. I’m sick of her right now. So so tired from May and all the shit that came from (most) swifties. I’m not even joking when I say all of my swiftie friends turned on me and participated in the backlash, even a few that were 75 fans?? It was truly all so performative, because why didn’t you give a fuck before this? 

I’m beyond sick of Maylors too. I liked the idea of them but it’s over, give it a rest. I saw a thread a few days ago that said IILWY is about Taylor, completely disregarding that lyric about a black girl. Realllly side-eyeing the fans that just pretend like he wasn’t with Twigs for 3 years, especially when they might’ve been engaged. That breakup really seemed hard on him. Also people saying It’s Not Living is about her?? It literally has a line about shooting up heroin in it but okay. 

It also upsets me that she didn’t shut any of that shit down. In a way I’ve lost some respect for her. She didn’t have to say anything specifically about Matty but god tell some fans to fuck off for once. 

Sorry for the long message, it just seems like you share some of my frustrations, and I know a lot of others do. 

No, no, I totally understand and 10000% agree with you. This is a safe space for venting frustrations lol.

And, yeah, I was (and still am) sickened by all that shit. ESPECIALLY the twigs stuff. I had half a mind to rant about it on here the other day but I felt like it would fall on deaf ears. I’ve even had conversations with some Maylors, tried to hear them out and see their logic. See if I can offer them mine. It’s like they’re incapable of understanding that matty would sing about anything but love or anything BUT TAYLOR. I’d be like “yeah sure it SOUNDS like a love song but it’s about drugs” they’d conveniently gloss over the line or say “beautiful shoes Taylor is known for her shoes.” IS SHE???!! I’ve never heard that before ever.

I’m so sorry about your swiftie friends. I’ve had the same experience. Though they weren’t 75 fans they just supported my obsession with the band lol. But yeah. Personally, I think Taylor is a great artist and has earned her place in pop history. But other than that…..idk. Especially when it comes to speaking out about stuff. She either won’t, or will do it in a way that comes off as paying lip service. Which is fine. I’m not saying every artist should be an activist. Actually it’d be great if uninformed people stopped performing wokeness and stfu and left it to experts. But she holds away with swifties she could’ve said some passive aggressive shit about being kind or whatever. Idkkk man.

It’s just a lot right now and it’s everywhere even when I don’t go looking for it, it seems to find me lmao. It’s okay though. Things will calm down eventually. I’m sure it also has to do with the fact that they’re both touring right now and in the public eye. Hopefully the weird maylor shit will calm down with time. But yeah I’m so done with trying to respect their pov or whatever. They’ve gone wayyyyy over the line.

[natromanxoff]

Today - April 21, 1992

(x)

LIZ’S PLEA FROM THE HEART

By LIZ MOORE and JANE MOORE

SUPERSTAR Liz Taylor stood before 72,000 cheering rock fans last night to make an emotional appeal on the worldwide spread of Aids.

Her stirring words came in a moving tribute to tragic Queen singer Freddie Mercury — a victim of the disease — at a Wembley concert in his honour.

The show, watched by a billion TV viewers worldwide, featured a galaxy of stars including Elton John, George Michael, David Bowie, Lisa Stansfield and Seal. Tickets were sold out within three hours — before any of the acts were even confirmed.

Liz told the crowd, many bedecked in red ribbons as a mark of respect: "Freddie was an extraordinary rock star who rushed across our cultural landscape like a comet shooting across the sky. The [Turn to Page 2]

[Photo caption: Liz Taylor makes her emotional appeal at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert last night]

We’re here to celebrate his dreams, cry as much as you like

[From Page 1] bright light of his talent still exhilarates even now that his life has been so cruelly extinguished.”

Liz, president of the American Foundation for Aids Research, was heckled by an unruly group shouting “get off”.

Security guards (…) in quickly to break up a fight after others in the crowd turned on them.

And Liz pointed angrily at them and shouted: “I’ll get off in a minute. I’ve got something to say first.”

Liz then carried on with her speech by urging fans not to share needles for drugs and practise safe sex with condoms.

“Please don’t let it happen to you,” she said. “You are the future of our world, you are the best and the brightest, you are the shining light that will illuminate a better world tomorrow.

“I will keep telling you until you do and I won’t give in and I won’t give up because the world needs you to live.”

From the moment Freddie Mercury’s words and music boomed out over the enormous speakers, the night belonged to him.

First on stage were the remaining members of Queen who announced the concert in February.

Voice crackling with emotion, drummer Roger Taylor said: “We are here to celebrate the life and dreams of Freddie.

“You can cry as much as you like.”

As the bright Bank Holiday was shone down on the 300ft stage, they introduced the opening act of the night — heavy rock band Metallica.

Fans went wild, waving Freddie Mercury memorial flags and banners throught the numbers.

The stage was cleared for the acts and (…) huge video screens either side sprang into life to show old footage of flamboyant Freddie in action.

As he sang The Great Pretender, the crowd — (…) in tears — stood in a respectful silence before erupting (…) applause at the end.

After US band Extreme, who (…) fans to a medley of Queen greatest hits, had left the stage Def Leppard played a track with Brian May.

Many of the fans in the audience wore a three-inch red ribbon, which has become a worlwide symbol of Aids campaignes.

Backstage Liz, who has seen many of her close friends die from the disease, presented singer George Michael with a £10,000 red rhinestone brooch in the shape of a ribbon.

Stars from all around the world offered their services for Freddie’s glittering(?) tribute, the biggest concert since Live Aid.

Bob Geldof, organiser of that concert and the tribute, was next on stage in a green floral suit to sing the song Too Late God.

He said: “It seems unlikely but Freddie and I were very good friends. This is a song we wrote together.”

The audience was later reduced to fits of laughter by outrageous rock band Spinal Tap who (…) for their grand entrance.

Guitarist Nigel Tufnell said: “Unfortunately Freddie was not as big a fan of us as we were of him. Therefore, in his honour we have got our set short by 35 songs. It’s what Freddie would have wanted.”

Then, speaking from America, super model Cindy Crawford introduced U2 via satellite from Sacramento, California and there were other link-ups with a concert in South Africa. Next on stage were rock band Guns ‘n’ Roses.

Later a procession of stars joined Queen’s surviving members for the group’s greatest hits, including Seal, Paul Young, Lisa Stansfield and an Under Pressure duet from David Bowie and Annie Lennox wearing a black make-up mask.

The final (…) came from George Michael and Elton John.

They all got a rapturous response from the crowd which included celebrities such as Michael Caine’s wife Shakira, golfer Nick Faldo, Michael Winner and Barbara Windsor.

Performers and friends had started arriving at the North London stadium throughout the afternoon.

But however early the stars arrived, Freddie’s dedicated fans were there hours and even days earlier.

Coming from all across Europe and beyond, they claimed a few (…) by the (…) and (…) their (…) to a rock legend.

Freddie Mercury once said: “I always knew I was a star.” Last night proved that the legend lives on.

[Photo caption: Dedicated fans, some of whom had queued through the night, enjoy the Bank Holiday sunshine for the glittering action to begin on the 300ft Wembley stage]

[Photo caption: An emotional moment for surviving Queen stars John Deacon, Roger Taylor and Brian May as they greet 72,000 rock fans at the start of the star-studded tribute to Freddie]

[sassylassy123]

The Sun And The Moon

Chapter 5 - Hastinapur

"Oh! So, she is the girl Karn couldn't stop talking about." said Dushasan.

"What?" Divyanshi exclaimed, her words were heard by the people passing and everyone was looking at her. Karn was seen red with the embarrassment. "I mean what do you mean, sir?"

"Sir?" asked Shakuni, "What does that mean?"

"It's a word from English Language." she explained, "I can speak many languages, please don't be surprised if I blabber in some foreign language."

"Ok, sir." Shakuni said.

'No! That's not how it works, idiot.'

"You said Angraj couldn't stop talking about her. What all things were you talking about her, Angraj?" asked Krishnn.

"Just the good things and how she stood up for me." Karn replied.

"We know her name but where does she belong to?" Duryodhan inquired, "Where are you from?" he asked Divyanshi.

"She is from the future." Krishnn said.

"I wasn't supposed to die but I did so I came here. It's complicated but I am going to stick with him." Divyanshi added.

"Future? Interesting!" Shakuni schemed plans to eliminate the Pandavs and now he had help, "She can stay with us."

"Of course! That's a great idea." Krishnn smiled.

"It is?" Divyanshi asked, they looked at her weirdly, "It is! It is! Indeed!" 'I am so doomed!' she thought.

Karn was a bit happy with the news of her staying with them for a while. In fact, he was beaming with so much joy that it was clearly showing on his face. After bidding goodbyes to King Drupad and Amruta, Divyanshi left Panchal with the Kauravs. There were no women on the trip and hence, there were no palanquin so Divyanshi had to accompany Karn on his chariot; he was happy with her decision.

Getting bored she decided to view the pictures of the swayamvar. She noticed the furious face of Duryodhan in the background and Dushasan stuffing all the sweets in his mouth trying not to be caught. Her eyes were searching for Karn and she saw him staring at someone, he was smiling. Doing all her calculations, she knew he was looking at her. She smiled to herself knowing she managed charm a person.

Karn's eyes fell on her phone, "What is that yantr?" he asked curiously.

"It's a phone. It has information in it and I call anyone anytime." she answered, she smiled looking at his confused face, "I can also capture moments like paintings but if I want those painting can move."

"People are advanced in the future." he commented.

"Well, not exactly. Technology is developed but us humans," she sighed, "we are 'shit'."

"What's that?" he asked.

"It's a bad word." she casually replied.

"Then why are you saying it?" he asked.

"Because it helps me express my emotions." she answered, "Oh! And this device can also allow me to listen to music."

"Play a song then." he requested.

"I have to decide. Let me see!" she scrolled through Spotify, "We can't play Taylor Swift because you won't understand her. Arijit Singh is nice, yes, him." She scrolled through his discography.

"Who's Arijit Singh?" asked Karn.

"Him?" she smiled to herself and sighed, "He is the best person I could ever think of. I love him so much."

"Right." he faintly said.

She noticed him, "Well, he is a singer."

"We should rest." Dushasan suggested.

"No, we have to travel more." Duryodhan denied.

"But I want to rest." Divyanshi whined silently.

"Yes, she's right." Karn agreed with her, "We-we should rest."

"Fine!" Duryodhan said.

Tents were set and everyone entered the respective tents and rested for hours. Dinner was being served and everyone came out of their tents, Divyanshi spent time on her phone and sat for dinner still looking at it.

"What is that in your hands?" asked Shakuni.

"It's a phone. I waste my time on it." she answered.

"So, how is future like? Do they still have kings and queens?" asked Dushasan.

"Only a few countries have the monarchy system but fighting for the properties is still a thing. My own father 'happily' gave half of his land to my uncle." she sighed at the last sentence and ate her food.

"Well, I can't relate more." Duryodhan lightly chuckled.

"You smile too? In future you are portrayed more- seriously." she was about to spoil the future.

"They know about me? I must have done something great, right?" he asked.

"Yeah, great!" she awkwardly smiling remembering his deeds.

"What about me?" asked Shakuni.

"Whenever there is a talk about uncles, we remember you." she partially lied, she didn't specify in a good way or a bad way.

"And do they know about me?" Karn asked.

"Everyone loves you." she said.

"And me?" Dushasan asked.

"No, we don't remember you much." she replied.

"Like nothing? Not even a bit?" he asked hopelessly.

"No, not even a bit. I know you because I have read the books and seen the shows but those who haven't, I doubt they remember you." she realised she sounded rude so she tried to act normal, "But there is one event you are known for."

"Oh! What's that?" he asked again, this time hopefully.

"I can't spoil it to you." she shrugged.

"Yeah, all the popularity goes to her lover boy." Dushasan muttered and ate his food, more like stuffed his mouth with food.

Rest over and they were back on the chariot. She slept through half the journey. When she woke up she saw the chariot being stopped and loud noise coming from a distance. She opened her eyes and saw the beauty of Hastinapur. It was a heavenly place and gasped looking at it.

"Damn! It is giving heaven." she mumbled to herself.

"You should pay a visit to Angdesh too." Karn said.

"I would love too." she smiled.

Everyone welcomed them to Hastinapur and they went to the palace. Divyanshi walked slowly observing the shops and the people there. A child handed her a flower, it was her favourite, Petunia Black Velvet.

"You like it?" Karn asked.

"I love them." she replied with enthusiasm. "They are my favourite. They were always around me since my childhood."

Karn's eyebrows furrowed at the statement. They finally reached the palace and were greeted by Gandhari, who was another beautiful woman Divyanshi met since the day before.

"Oh! I have two daughters now." she smiled not noticing tears in Divyanshi's eyes, she hugged her.

Entering the palace, Divyanshi had a strange feeling in heart. "You know they feeling you feel when someone genuinely hugs you, I felt that. It was weird." she said to Karn.

"Yes, that's kinship." he said.

"Oh! So, that's how it feels." she was weirded out.

She left him standing in the hall of the palace. He was wondering what had happen to him. What was the strange feeling he felt? He smiled at her leaving, this time he knew who he was smiling for; not some girl who warned him about the swayamvar but the girl who stood up for him when no else did, not even his best friend.

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

[sciencestyled]

Starlight and Paint Splatters: How to Turn the Universe Into Your Own Bob Ross Masterpiece (No Happy Little Nebulae Allowed)

cosmic color theory. You poor souls probably thought we were going to talk about a normal topic today, didn’t you? Well, buckle up, because we're about to throw some glitter into the sky and make the universe our canvas. And no, this isn’t your typical, “let’s learn about the colors of the rainbow, kids!” kind of lesson. We’re going all-in on starlight, nebulae, and space dust. Basically, this is Bob Ross meets NASA meets your art school dreams of throwing paint at a wall and calling it a masterpiece.

Let’s kick things off by talking about starlight. Spoiler alert: it’s not just twinkling there like the holiday lights outside a Kardashian’s mansion. Each star is emitting its own personality—uh, I mean color—based on temperature and composition. Now, I know this might be hard for your Netflix-riddled brains to grasp, but not all stars are white. Shocking, I know. You’ve got your blue stars, which are basically the stars of the universe’s most obnoxious “who can burn the hottest” contest. Then there are your cooler, red stars, which are essentially the universe’s equivalent of hipsters, hanging back, not trying to shine too bright, just chillin’.

So what does this have to do with art? Everything, my dear apathetic undergrads. Artists, especially those who dabble in cosmic themes, get their entire color palette handed to them by the stars. And before you ask, no, you won’t find this color scheme at the Home Depot paint counter. These are the OG pigments of the universe, straight from the fiery furnaces of suns and the gassy extravagance of nebulae. Next time you paint a starry sky, don’t just slap some white dots on a black canvas and call it a day—show a little respect for the spectrum, will you?

But I can see your glazed-over eyes already, so let’s spice things up. Let’s talk about nebulae. Now, if stars are the showy divas of space, nebulae are like the avant-garde, oversized sunglasses-wearing weirdos that everyone pretends to understand but secretly doesn’t. These swirling clouds of gas and dust (oh yes, space is filthy) are the cosmos’s accidental art projects. Imagine every color you’ve ever seen on an Instagram filter, then crank it up to eleven, and you’ve got yourself a nebula. You could basically take a Hubble image, throw it up in the MoMA, and call it "Abstract Space Expressionism."

There’s a reason why artists—real ones, not you guys with your Pinterest boards—are obsessed with nebulae. They provide a natural palette so wild that even the likes of Picasso would’ve said, “Eh, tone it down, will ya?” The blues, reds, purples, and greens just scream, “We are not bound by your mortal color wheel!” That’s right, while you're busy trying to mix the perfect shade of beige, the universe is out there flexing with all the colors your Crayola box wishes it had. Artists look at these cosmic masterpieces and say, "Hey, let’s throw that on a canvas and act like we invented color theory.”

Speaking of color theory, I see some of you scrolling on your phones, looking up science videos to fill in the gaps in your art knowledge. Well, you can stop. I’m about to drop a truth bomb on you bigger than the one Taylor Swift dropped with her surprise album: The universe is color theory. Every hue, every shade, every tone—it all comes from the physics of starlight. Sure, some artist with a beret might’ve come up with fancy names like “complementary colors,” but the stars have been doing it since the dawn of time. Feeling overwhelmed yet? You should be. Welcome to cosmic color theory: 101.

Moving right along, we’ve got artists today who take all this astronomical inspiration and run with it. And I don’t mean your next-door neighbor who paints poorly rendered planets because they went through a “space phase” after watching Interstellar. No, I’m talking about legit artists who take the cold, indifferent vastness of space and turn it into color explosions that would make your eyes water—literally, if you stare too long. You know the type: they paint galaxies that look like they were birthed in a blender set to "frantic." Artists like Vija Celmins or, better yet, anyone who’s ever looked through a telescope and thought, “You know what this needs? More purple.”

Because let’s face it, when you learn astronomy with art, you realize that the colors of space aren’t limited to just black and white. Despite what most sci-fi movies (looking at you, Star Wars) would have you believe, the universe isn’t some monochrome void. Sure, space is dark, but so are the DMs of that guy who left you on read for three weeks. Look closer, and you’ll see that space is practically glowing with all sorts of colors. Artists have caught onto this, and now every time you see a painting of a nebula, you’re basically staring into the mind of an artist who decided that the color wheel needed to be yeeted into the sun.

Let’s talk about those blues, blacks, and purples that everyone’s so obsessed with in space art. It's like space itself is just one big moody teenager going through a goth phase. It’s like the universe looked at its wardrobe and said, “Nah, I’m sticking with the dark aesthetic, thanks.” But while the cosmos may seem like it shops exclusively at Hot Topic, there’s so much more to these shades than meets the eye. Artists use them to evoke mystery (ugh, I promised myself I wouldn’t use that word, but here we are), depth, and that overwhelming feeling of insignificance you get when you realize the universe doesn’t care about your problems. Depressing? Sure. But also beautiful in an “I-just-binge-watched-an-entire-season-of-Black-Mirror” kind of way.

And finally, let’s not forget the artists who look at the stars and think, “Hey, what if I messed around with light and shadow and made something no one understands but everyone pretends to love?” Yeah, those guys. They’ve been experimenting with the interplay of light and color ever since humans figured out how to rub sticks together and make fire. But now, with all these fancy telescopes and space missions, they’ve got a whole new set of tools to play with. We’re talking about manipulating colors based on temperature, radiation, and other scientific mumbo-jumbo that’s way over your heads.

So where does that leave us? In the future, my tired students, cosmic color theory will only become more important. We’re talking full-on interstellar art movements here. Forget Impressionism or Cubism—soon, it’s all going to be about how well you can capture the shimmering blues of an O-type star or the fiery oranges of a dying red giant. The universe is expanding, and so is our understanding of color. And if you ever want to actually get good at painting with starlight, maybe stop staring at your phones for five seconds and, I don’t know, look up?

In conclusion, remember this: the next time someone asks you about color theory, throw that tired old color wheel out the window and tell them to start painting with starlight. Because nothing says “I’m an art genius” like using the literal building blocks of the universe in your next gallery showing. Or, you know, just slap a nebula on there and call it a day. It’s not like anyone will be able to tell the difference.