#in case you didn’t know - I’m a mic stand

[luciferscowgirl]

Making love to a mic stand in red light makes so much sense…

[suugarbabe]

Rockstar!Sirius Black has me in a chokehold. I’m obsessed with my wife @finalgirllx and thankful for the work she put in for me for these two edits and I hope everyone is pulling their hair out at them as much as me.

This little blurb is for my second wife @thatdammchickennugget ‘s hogmarch challenge.

Prompt: fire whiskey / are you speaking parseltongue or am I really that drunk

Warnings: fluff; mentions of bar/drinking;

You don’t really know how you got here. At this party that is. One day your muggle friend is begging you to come to a concert with her. Two weeks later she has you sleeping on a side-walk waiting to get in. “I really want to get barricade,” she says. And you love her so you comply. When you manage to get it, you’re just as shocked as she is. Arms crossed on the bar, elbows hanging over the barricade as music plays from the speakers while everyone waits for the band to appear.

You assume it’s a four person group; you see a drum set, a keyboard, a guitar with a mic stand and a bass guitar. You’re wracking your brain for the name of the band, your friends mentioned it probably a million times in the last hour alone but you’ve been so focused on not a Avada-ing any of the other millions of girls around who seem to want to keep pushing against your back to get closer to whoever this band seems to be.

It’s when the curtain falls that your heart nearly stops. It had to be a coincidence, right? The fact that this band happens to have the same name as the infamous group of pranking boys from your school years. But all your nervous fears are confirmed when they start strolling on to the stage, you recognize the others in an instant, but the one that catches your eye most intensely slings the guitar over his shoulder, a shit eating smirk gracing his lips as his tucks his hair behind his ear.

“Blimey, what a turn out, yeah lads?” The guitarist turns slightly where he stands, glancing at his friends behind him who are all nodding and shouting, pumping their fists in the air with the screams of fans in front of them. The guitarist turns back towards the crowd, eyes scanning over the sea of people until they come to the front and lock with yours. Your friend besides you starts shaking with giddy excitement as he speaks his next words into the mic, her arm hooking with yours. But you can’t tear your eyes away from his piercing gaze, “In case any of you’ve forgotten, we’re The Marauders and-”

Being barricade had its benefits because you heard the drummer shout, “Oi, Pads, get on with it, will ya, let’s give em a show, yeah?” Sirius laughs into the mic and your thrust back to being seventeen and pining after the long haired boy at the back of your advanced potions class. “Alright, Prongs, don’t lose yer head, mate. Who’s ready to fucking rock out?” Sirius strummed his guitar and the crowd erupted in cheers and screams. The entire concert was a bit of a blur. One because you didn’t know any of their songs, but two because it seemed like any time Sirius looked towards the front of the crowd, he looked right at you, and your friends and the girls surrounding you seemed to lose their mind at the concept.

When the concert finally ended you watched your old classmates take in the cheers and praise. James threw both his drumsticks into the crowd, Remus tossed a few picks as well. Reggie stepped from behind the keyboard, taking his setlist with him and passing it to the security guard to give to a random girl. Sirius, however, seemed to have a different plan. The girls around you seemed to be panting with anticipation as Sirius took a marker from a stage hand and laid down on his stomach, pulling the cap from the marker with his teeth before writing on his setlist on the ground. Capping the pen, he pulled the setlist off the ground slowly, folding the tape over the edges before folding the setlist into fours.

What really made everyone around you go into a frenzy was Sirius jumping down from the stage and walking straight up to you at barricade and holding the paper towards you with a smile. “Here,” Sirius grabbed your wrist, placing the folded setlist into your hand, “open it when you leave the venue. Was nice seeing you again, love. S’been too long since the last time.” Sirius then turned his attention to the people around you, shaking hands and signing a few autographs but it all sounded muffled to yours ears as it seemed like all the blood was rushing to your head as you were rushing out of the crowd, you friend close behind.

“Uhm, hello? Are you gonna tell me what the fuck that was back there?” You were walking as fast as you could without sprinting, your friend hot on your heels. “Y/n/n!” You turned abruptly to face her, her stopping roughly in her tracks. “What!” You were nearly screaming before taking a deep breath, “I’m sorry, erm, I’m sorry. I just…I haven’t seen those guys in a long time and it was just a little…overwhelming.” Your friend nodded, the grin never leaving her face, “How do you even know them, can we open the letter now, what does it say?”

You rolled your eyes, grabbing the note from your pocket. Unfolding it you finally answered her questions, “We went to school together, believe it or not they were very popular and I was…well…not. I had a few classes with the others and well Sirius was…friends with some of my friends, let’s say. Honestly I didn’t even expect him to recognize me once I realized they were the band we were seeing and…” your thoughts and words seem to die on your lips as your eyes scanned the setlist in your hands, Sirius’s sloppy scrawl strewn across in black marker. Your friend raised her eyebrows impatiently, turning your hands towards her so she could see what had you at such a loss, a gasp leaving her as she did so. “Is that a fucking address…”

So maybe you did know how you got to this party, your friend begging and pleading until you agreed to go. “It’s only polite, he did invite you after all,” she had said. You knew her agenda was more so to gain an opportunity to see the boys up close, so you didn’t argue when as soon as you entered the private bar she immediately went on the hunt. You, on the other hand, went straight for a drink, or two, or four. You were working on yet another firewhiskey when a rough voice spoke your last name from behind you. Turning around, you attempted to control your blush, “Black. Long time no see.” You did your best to keep your tone casual, like your heart wasn’t beating out of your chest.

Per expected Sirius was nothing but charming and smooth, “I didn’t expect to see a friend in the crowd tonight, you caught me slightly off guard I have to admit.” You clasped onto your drink with both hands, hoping the coolness of the glass would offset the heat that was rapidly spreading through your body, “You consider us friends? I didn’t even think you’d recognize me.” Sirius’s gaze turned what you could only describe as tender, “I would’ve failed Advanced Charms if you hadn’t put up with me for two whole terms. If spending endless weeks in the library didn’t make us friends, what then developed between us, nothing?”

No, just my raging school girl crush on you is all. You shook your head, mouth opening and slightly stammering, no explanation coming to mind. “Pads, you’re not scaring y/n/n away are you? Gonna make us not see her for another three years again?” Sirius huffed a slightly annoyed breath, “Yeah, Moony, the reason we haven’t seen her is strictly my fault, not that our band took off or anything.” Sirius jabs a thumb over his shoulder as he glances back at you as if to say, the nerve of this guy. “She didn’t even think I’d recognize her, or considered us friends! Can you believe that?”

The taller boy greeted you with a warm and familiar smile, the scar stretching over his top lip thinning with the action, “Well I certainly don’t blame her for the latter. But we’re still friends, aren’t we, dove?” Remus took a step forward, wrapping you in a tight and friendly embrace. “Hi, Rem,” you mumbled just loud enough over the bar music. Remus was gruffly pulled away from you to reveal a pouting face with glasses and a mop of curly hair, “Not consider us friends? Did seven agonizing years of potions together mean absolutely nothing to you?”

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at the dramatics, “Hi, Jamie. ‘ve missed you.” You open your arms for a hug and are quickly embraced in a bear-like squeeze, “Missed you too shortcake. Been too long.” A second body joins your hug from behind, “Yeah, it’s been too long.” James pushes him off before letting you go, “Whydya have to do that Reg, you ambushed my hug.” Regulus opens his mouth to argue when a throat clearing catches all of your guys' attention. You turn to see your friend clearly doing her best not to freak out at the scene before her. You turn the the boys, pushing your friend slightly in front of you, “Guys this is my friend Órlaith. She brought me to your show. Big fan, her. Órlaith, this is Reg, Jamie, Rem and Sirius.”

The four boys all flashed award winning smiles while your friend managed a meek ‘hi’ and a slight wave. “So you didn’t just have classes with them, you were friends with the fucking Marauders,” Órlaith wacked your arm, causing James and Regulus to burst out in laughter. Remus leaned in close to your friend, a hand shielding one side of his mouth while pointing a thumb back at James, “Y/n/n, here actually helped make sure this one graduated on time.” James crossed his arms in mock offense, “Is he talking shite love? Moony, don’t fill her head with lies we’ve only just met.”

Sirius slung his arm over her shoulder, whispering in her ear, “Actually, I’d like to catch up with Y/l/n. You mind if I steal her for a moment? Think you can watch these gits, keep them in line for me while I’m away?” She gave a timid nod and Sirius flashed her his knee weakening grin. Remus shot Sirius a knowing look, one you completely missed as you were too busy focusing on Sirius lacing his fingers in yours and dragging you towards a roped off section of the bar. You tried to will your palm to not be clammy as you downed the last of your drink, setting the glass on a passing table. As Sirius led you up the few steps and past the velvet rope he settled you both down at a table in the corner.

With a wave of his wrist the music and sound of the crowd disappeared. “See? A perfect silencing charm. Wouldn’t have been able to do that without your help in years past, friend,” Sirius emphasized the last word, wiggling his eyebrows. You laughed slightly, eyes rolling, “Yes, I’m very proud of you. However, that hasn’t stopped the gaggle of girls staring at us.” You motioned toward at least four women you could see clearly shooting daggers your way at a private talk with the leading man. Sirius shrugged his shoulders, eyes never leaving your direction, “I don’t care about them, my focus is on you.”

Your face seemed to stay in a permanent state of blush with Sirius’s full attention solely on you. “Now tell me, sweetheart. Did you really not consider us friends all those years? I mean, I thought we were pretty close. If I recall we’ve drunkenly fallen asleep on a few couches and floors together. Who else does that besides very good friends?” You nervously summon a drink before you, taking the glass and trying to hide half your face behind it while you take a long gulp. Your eyes scan over Sirius’s face, taking in the changes, or lack thereof, from the last time you saw him.

He still has that same boyish charm, that grin the tends to sneak onto his face when he knows he’s being charming. His hair is still gorgeous, long and flowing, though maybe slightly greasier than your school years, but you’re sure that’s part of his rockstar aesthetic. His forearms now adorn multiple tattoos and from what you know of Sirius there’s probably more hidden elsewhere. He had a few more piercings now, and his jawline was more refined now that he was no longer a teenager, but what remained exactly the same was always your favorite part of him; his eyes.

Sirius always had the most captivating eyes; a deep russet brown that seemed to change with his mood and whether he was telling the truth or not. Either that or you had just spent so much time staring at him you began to figure out his tells without anyone else realizing. “You’re telling the truth, you really considered us good friends didn’t you?” Sirius laughed lightly, looking down at his lap before meeting your eyes once more, “Yes, I’m telling the truth.” You shook your head, “That wasn’t a question, it was a statement, I can tell when you’re lying. I just can’t believe you’re being serious.”

“Well I’m always Sirius, darling.” You rolled your eyes at his favorite pun, going to bring your drink back to your lips. Sirius, however, had other plans, stealing to glass from your hands and downing the rest himself. You opened your mouth to scold him but he got his words out first, “How can you – blimey, love no mixer really? Merlin’s fucking beard – how can you tell when I’m lying? I like to think I’m quite subtle at hiding the truth.” You sat up a bit straighter, tucking your legs underneath you on the couch. Normally you would never admit anything, especially not to Sirius himself, but your filter seemed to be turned off thanks to the many firewhiskey’s now running through your system.

You leaned your elbow on the back of the couch, facing Sirius now with your head resting against your fist, “Your eyes turn a shade or two darker when you’re lying. Normally they’re just this beautiful deep brown color that looks like the sun is shining directly on them, even when you’re inside and there’s not even a window in sight. But when you’re lying it’s like all the mischief you’ve got cooking in your brain is overheating and it deepens the color.” If you weren’t feeling so tipsy you probably would’ve noticed the deep blush that spread over Sirius’s cheeks. But being himself he couldn’t let you stop there, “What else have you seemed to notice over the years, huh sweet girl?”

Subconsciously you knew you’d regret it in the morning, but your ability to stop your mouth from rambling seemed to be null. “You tend to chew on your top lip when you’re concentrating, not the entire thing, just one of the corners. You did it tonight during your guitar solo, which was actually pretty fantastic. I'm very proud of you, Siri. And I only noticed you do that because it’s different from other people, usually people bite their bottom lip, but you bite your top,” Sirius touched his top lip with his fingertips as you continued, “And I know when you’re laughing just to be polite and when you’re laughing for real because your fake laugh is this polite little chuckle where you nod your head to make the other person think you’re really paying attention, but your real laugh is so much better. You throw your head back, and your hair falls from your face and it’s real hearty and deep and your smile stays bright for moments afterwards.” You let out a long sigh, your eyes keeping this distance look to them like you were recalling an exact moment for each aspect you just described. “Merlin, I was just so in…I just had the biggest crush on you back then.”

Sirius blinked a few times in disbelief, shaking his head and trying to clear his thoughts because there was definitely no way he heard what he just thought he heard, “I’m sorry, love. Are you speaking parseltongue or am I really that drunk?” You scoffed slightly, “Excuse me?” Sirius quickly held his hands up in defense, “No, no! I just meant that – oh for Godric’s sake, I’m gonna muck this up I just know it–” You grabbed his wrists, effectively stopping his spiraling tangent, “Sirius!” He looked up at you, eyes meeting yours and just like you said, they looked like the sun was hitting them directly despite being in the back corner of a dark bar, “I never needed help with charms.”

Your face contorted in confusion, “Sorry, erm, what?” Sirius closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He opened his eyes once more, making sure you were looking back at him so you would see he was telling the truth, “I never needed help with charms, I would fuck up spells on purpose because I wanted to spend more time with you.” You shook your head, “But Remus said…”

“I lied to Moony,” Sirius cut you off, “Well, I tried to lie to him at first. I told him I was failing and I asked him to ask you to be my tutor but the bloody git knows everything, saying shit like ‘I know you’re at the top of our class Sirius meh meh meh’, so I asked him to lie for me.” You shook your head, “Why would you do that?” Sirius placed his hands on either side of your face, your hands still holding his wrists, “Because I had an insanely huge crush on you that I kept trying to deny and Moony could see it a mile away. I’m surprised you missed it with everything else you seemed to notice.” You smiled at him, a real genuine relaxed smile, then he spoke again, “Past tense probably isn’t the right usage. After seeing you tonight, I can humbly admit that all those feelings are very much still here. You believe me, don’t you?”

Sirius tilted your head up so you were looking directly at him. He widened his eyes dramatically, staring at you intensely and causing you to giggle. You squinted your eyes at him briefly, making it look like you were really studying him, “Hmm..clear as day. Yes, Siri, I believe you.” Sirius let out a long breath, “Thank merlin, because I’ve been dying to do this since I was on stage.” Sirius’s lips met yours with a gentle fervent, intensifying only when you fisted the front of his t-shirt, pulling him harder into you. You pulled apart only when you were short of breath, both panting heavily. “Remus is going to lose his mind,” Sirius chuckled, grin never leaving his face. You glanced over his shoulder, flicking your wrist and breaking the silencing charm only to be met with cheers and whistles so loud they floated over the rustle of the bar, “I think he already has, they all have.” Sirius turned, seeing his friends and bandmates making their way over. He turned back to you, a cheeky grin on his lips, “Okay, kiss me again, just once more before they get here. Once they do I just know James is gonna talk your ear off about the whole thing.” You giggled, biting your bottom lip before grasping the back of his neck, pulling his lips towards yours once more.

[freneticfloetry]

This has been eating at me, so I’m just gonna say it. I know everything, in some way, shape, or form, has fallen victim to Short Season Syndrome, but I think the execution of TK’s particular arc — not the root or motivation, but the way it’s been presented — has not done him any favors whatsoever.

I love that we finally met Enzo. I don’t love that the show specifically made it the first time he’d met Carlos, especially without giving any sort of explanation for that at all — you’re telling me these two people, who are both so important to TK, have never so much as seen each other on FaceTime? It would’ve been just as easy to go with “it’s good to finally see you outside of a screen” or something along those lines — something emphasizing the fact that this family has actually been in touch, especially given everything that unfolds where Jonah is concerned.

I love that TK wants to raise his brother. As Tay can attest, it’s something I’ve suspected since the lead-up press to last season’s finale. And why wouldn’t he? Jonah is the last living piece of his mother (and probably the most precious kid since TK himself — you go, Gwyn Morgan, giving birth to the two most adorable boys to ever walk the planet). But the way that desire has manifested in words really rubs me the wrong way. TK choosing to take Jonah is absolutely valid, as is giving Carlos the space to make that choice for himself. But saying “if i have to choose between my husband and my brother, I’m going with my brother” — not even to Carlos, but to a third party — feels so disingenuous to me. Disproportionate in scale, relative to the situation. That’s a line for “I won’t let my brother go into the foster care system,” not “I won’t let my brother go to a fancy boarding school in Sweden” — the latter of which, given that they apparently haven’t seen Jonah in person since he was an infant, would not be all that fundamentally different. And let’s be real, if the former actually were the case, Carlos Reyes wouldn’t even need to have that conversation. It just makes me (perhaps somewhat irrationally) sad for Carlos, in that context, when the choice we have for him in reverse is “no matter what.”

But my biggest issue stems from that argument. Because even though they had the whole kid conversation woefully late, they did have it. Carlos was very clear on where he stood, that he didn’t know if he would ever stand anywhere else, and TK told him that was okay. And no, this whole arc isn’t about TK suddenly wanting to adopt a theoretical baby. But “I’m done living my life on hold”… that’s bigger than Jonah. That’s moving the goalpost. And it isn’t fair.

To be clear, I’m really enjoying this arc as a concept. I just wish the writers considered the character implications of their words over whatever the mic drop impact might be.

[elisysd]

3. Wonder why you took a risk on a broken heart you cannot fix

Masterlist - Previously - Next

Chapter soundtrack: Purple Irises - Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton 

Another DNF. On a track he loved and had witnessed him achieving great performances. But now, being out after not even a corner, it was painful. He knew he couldn’t have done anything to avoid it but still, it was a bitter feeling. And a feeling that didn’t go away when he saw you waiting for him, your mic ready. He hadn’t talked to you ever since that day at the restaurant, didn’t ask for your number, didn’t ask for your social media, didn’t ask for anything and a part of him regretted it. Kind of. He had promised to show you not everyone was untrustworthy but didn’t even think to ask for a means to contact you. He knew it was stupid but he hated empty promises. He was man of his word and to think he could let you down like everybody else was unsettling for him. 

He moved to you, Silvia by his side and gulped, bracing himself for a petty question that surprisingly didn’t come through.

“A very sad day for you Charles, can you tell us what happened with Lance?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t been able to watch the images yet but I guess he thought he had space and clearly, it was not the case.”

“Two DNF in three races, it’s not the start of the season you hoped it would be. What are your plans for now?”

“See what went wrong and try to learn from it with the team. That’s the best we can do and we will come back stronger next time.”

“Thank you Charles.”

As she was cutting her microphone he saw you looking at him.

“I’m sorry about the race. Truly.”

“No teasing this time?” he asked, surprised.

“I’m not a heartless monster.” you replied as Silvia pushed him to go talk to other media.

The meeting with her team went nice. They talked a bit about race, debriefing each other's interventions of the day and looked at what they should have done better. You were happy when Marion told you that you had improved, your questions sharper and more precise, and happy, you had decided to wander the paddock in search of new information or to meet interesting new people. That is something you’ve always liked to do, hanging out somewhere to get the atmosphere and to have conversations with people who could provide you with new enlightenments about contracts, performances or any changes inside the teams. You had learned it while being in New-York, during one of your internships while you were covering  basketball games where your boss had told you to let your ears wander. A few words that you were clinging onto. Near the Mercedes hospitality, you had not expected to run into Mick who was coming out of it, a bottle of water in his hands. Out of habits you smiled at him, giving him a little nod which he took as an invitation to talk to you.

“Hey! I saw you around, right? The new interviewer for French TV?”

“That should be me, yes. Y/N, nice to meet you.” you greet him.

You found it surprisingly easy to talk to Mick. The discussion flowed, laughter could be heard from the other side of the paddock and soon the sun was setting. He was friendly, caring, and offered her to sit somewhere so they didn’t have to stand in the middle of the way.

“You know, I’m going to a bowling place tonight with some friends. Do you want to tag along?”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure it’s very professional of me.” 

“No pressure, of course. The offer stands but we all need to let go from time to time.” he added, winking at you before leaving.

You spent another half an hour debating with yourself on whether or not you should go. You could use some friends for sure, and Mick is not a bad guy, you know it.  He doesn’t have any hidden agenda behind his kindness, he just genuinely wants to get to know you and be your friend. And you saw how some journalists are buddy-buddy with the drivers, including in your own team. So why couldn’t you? You took a deep breath and decided that for once, you would have fun. And it had been a while since you had gone to a bowling area. You quickly went back to your hotel room to change into more comfortable clothes and you met Mick there. You recognised Esteban there as well and you were not surprised, you knew the two drivers were closed. 

You had fun. More fun than what you expected coming here. You sucked at bowling but it didn’t stop you from laughing. You also enjoyed Esteban’s calm confidence and how laid back he was. You told him you felt sorry about his crash with Pierre, Alpine could have realized something amazing out there.

“I know, I’m gutted. It’s not the start of the season we hoped it would be, for sure. But the season is long, so we have time to improve.”

“I’m sure it will keep on being better, Esteban. Trust your team.” Mick said, coming to them, a grin on his face. He sat down next to you before turning his head in your direction. “I’m glad you decided to come. I wasn’t sure you would.”

“I’m happy I did, it’s been a while since I’ve felt this relaxed.” you confessed. “I don’t have many friends, I’m not good at making connections.”

“Well you have us, now.” Mick shrugged.

“Aren’t you afraid that I’ll betray you?”

“Do you intend to?”

“No.” you admitted after a few seconds.

“Then it’s all good.” he smiled.

“You trust people easily, you know. A little too easily.”

“A few years ago, I wasn’t like that. I was doubting everyone and everything. I thought people only wanted to be around me because of my dad and not because of me. And then I decided to stop caring because usually those people end up leaving at the first obstacle. It’s better to give people a chance than being closed off. My friends are basically my second family, my home away from home. I’m a family guy, it’s tough for me to be away from them, so that’s why my friends are so important.”

“I’m not that close to my family.” you confessed and your heart wrenched at the thought.

“Because of your job?”

“That and I made a few mistakes in the past that really altered our relationship. And a lot of regrets, mostly about my brother. When you’re halfway across the world, it’s tough to be there when he needs you most. I should have been there for him.”

“It’s never too late to fix things.”

You gave him a sad smile and a shrug. You don’t want to bother him with your complicated family’s stories. And frankly, you don’t want to think about them.

“I understand you know, the regrets. I have so many when I think about my dad. I’ve never told him I loved him enough,  I should have told him everyday. I even regret things that are so far ahead in the future, like my wedding, my first kid… I often think about how he won’t be completely there to see all of that.” he bitterly said. 

“At least he is there. Even if it’s not how you want it.”

“I guess.”

When you ended up leaving, after this very heartfelt conversation, you felt somehow relieved. Maybe he was right, you didn’t have to assume the worst about people. You took your phone out of your pocket and looked at your lock screen. A picture of you and your brother. You smiled tenderly, you missed him. 

Coming back to Paris and to your flat felt weird after such magical weeks. The gloomy weather made you regret the sun on your skin and you definitely didn’t miss the messy public transportation. Your days were filled with preparing the next races, organizing a few livestreams here and there where you invited fans to talk about the first few races of the season. And thanks to your connection at Alpine and the good relationship you had started to build with the drivers you even managed to get an interview from Pierre where you get to talk about his first weeks in his new team. It had been a nice and chill discussion more than an interview and you were happy to see that people had liked the concept and hoped you would keep it going with other people.

Despite how happy you were feeling about your week, it had still been a busy one and you couldn’t wait to go home and hop in your shower to relax before going out again to meet your best friend in a nice parisian restaurant. You arrived earlier than her and got to your table as the waiter gave you the menu and asked if you wanted to drink something. You ordered a Martini and started to wait for her, scrolling on your phone to pass the time. But as if fate had decided to play with you tonight, right when you decided to lift your chin, you saw him entering the restaurant. Charles Leclerc. And in good company if you could judge by the brunette walking right behind him. A date you thought to yourself. You unconsciously sat further down in your seat in hope he wouldn’t recognise you. You couldn’t help but give him little glances, your curiosity getting the best out of you. It didn’t last long, though, as your friend soon arrived and Charles wasn’t in your mind anymore.

“You have so many things to tell me and I have so many questions for you!”

You laughed. She has always been your number one supporter no matter what you were going through in your life. You didn’t expect anything else from her. Happily, you told her everything, even the slightest detail.

“So, who is the hottest? And is there anyone who is single?” she whispered to you as if you were both part of a gigantic conspiracy.

“I don’t know, I don’t really think about it. And I don’t have the mental space for that.”

She knew what you were implying. She knew all too well. She put a hand on yours and squeezed it gently before diverting the discussion to a lighter topic. The conversation flowed until your friend received a call. She quickly apologized to take it in a quieter space and came back a few minutes later, biting her lip, visibly worried.

“I got a call from my mom… my grandmother fell at home and she hit her head. She is at the hospital… I’m sorry I have to cut our dinner short, but…”

“Dont. I understand. Go.” you reassured her as she threw her arms around you and kissed your cheek before making her way out.

He was fed up. Clearly, he was not having the time of his life. The girl right in front of him had been sent by Ferrari and Silvia in another attempt to set him up with someone. No pressure, she had told him, she just wanted him to meet her and who knows? Maybe they would hit it off. And if it wasn’t the case, then she would leave him alone. For now. So he had agreed, a few weeks of peace seemed like a good option.

But he was bored out of his mind. The girl, who seemed nice, he had nothing against her, was agreeing to everything he was saying and was waiting for him to hold the conversation. He hated that. He needed someone who could challenge him, someone who didn’t care about who he was and clearly the brunette in front of him wasn’t what he wanted. They weren’t even at the main course that she had already mentioned the growth of her following and the new opportunities being seen with him would bring her, if they decided to date. He hated it. And he didn’t intend to spend one more minute in her presence. When the waiter came to take their order, he looked him straight in the eyes.

“You know, come to think of it, I’m not hungry. Can I have the bill instead?”

He knew it was a dick move, and if his mother would hear of it she would most certainly give him an earful. But it would still be more enjoyable than sitting there. He apologized, quickly made sure that the girl knew he had no interest in going out with her another day and made his way out to pay. That’s when he noticed you, alone, sipping on your drink. He could laugh. Out of all places, he had to cross your path. As if acting on their own, his feet carried him to your table.

“Fancy, seeing you here.” he said, making you look up. He expected to see a surprised look on your face but it wasn’t the case. You didn’t take your eyes off of him, making him slightly uncomfortable. “What are you doing here, all alone? A date who hasn’t shown up?”

“I was supposed to meet my friend but she couldn’t stay for long, an emergency came up. So here I am, sipping my drink, alone. It’s okay. I’m enjoying my very own company. And that very tasteful assortment of pastries. I most likely won’t be able to eat that alone, though.” you shrugged, putting a piece of chocolate cake in your mouth.

“You know, I’m in a mood for sweet… care to share?”

You were about to offer him to sit with you when he quickly recalled that his date was still there.

“Actually, would you mind getting a doggy bag and going elsewhere to eat? I kind of want to get the hell out of here.”

“Your date wasn’t that good, I assume then.” you said as a matter of fact.

“How did you…”

“I have eyes. I saw you.”

“You saw me…” he repeated, wiggling his eyebrows.

“I was facing the door.”

And suddenly he felt stupid about trying to see a deeper meaning in her words than what she intended to.

Out of the restaurant, they both wandered along the docks, enjoying the fresh air and the almost empty streets, the bag of cakes between them as they were sharing in a natural way. Almost as if they had done it all their life. Charles told her all about his very bad date and enjoyed making her laugh.

“Glad to see my very poor and inexistent love life is entertaining.” he smiled.

“It really is. I mean, look at you. You have the fame, the money, the good looks you could have anyone you wanted and here you are, having the exact same issues as us common people.”

“Believe it or not, but dating has become harder and harder the more famous I become. Whatever that means. We are all searching for the same thing, at the end of the day and famous or not. We want someone to complete us. Someone we feel good with.”

“Yeah, it’s not easy to find.”

“Clearly not.”

They kept walking in silence, enjoying each other’s company.

“I’m shocked you don’t try to pry or snoop around. You could ask so many questions about the season and try to get insides… but you don’t. Why?”

“I’m outside of my job hours. Right now, I’m just Y/N and not Y/N the very insufferable journalist. And you hate my questions, it’s me who should be shocked that you want to hear them.”

“I don’t hate them, I just don’t understand why I seem to be the only one to be on the receiving end of your bluntness. Every freaking time.” he defended himself.

You let out a sigh.

“They are legitimate questions and they are always validated by the team before being asked, if something was out of line they would tell me and I wouldn’t ask them.” you simply said.

Charles felt that there must be something else, something she wasn’t saying but they didn’t know each other well enough for him to dare ask her. From the corner of his eye, he saw her repressing a yawn.

“It’s late, do you need someone to drive you back home safely?” he asked.

“No.” she immediately said. “I mean, it’s kind of you, really. This whole hour talking felt nice but I’m not sure it’s something that should have happened. I know I can make friends with drivers, and some journalists do it, but I don't think I can, personally. That’s just not how it works for me. It would make my job harder and I need a clear mind to focus.” you tried to explain, perfectly aware of how hypocritical you sound.

“Do you say the same things to all drivers or do I receive special treatment?”

You opened and closed your mouth. You didn’t want to lie to him and somehow he read it in your eyes that it’s not that you didn’t want to have friends among the drivers. You just didn’t want to be his friend. And somehow it hurt more than what he expected.

Author's note: Happy first GP of the season! To celebrate it, here's the new chapter! I hope you liked it.

Don't hesitate to leave a comment or an ask, as well as reblogging and leaving a like. Besides the fact that I absolutely love to read you, it helps a lot for the story to find its audience. I also have a taglist for this story, so if you want to be added so you never miss a chapter, let me know.

If you wanna be part of the taglist, let me know.

Taglist: @itsjustkhaos @thirstylion @cmleitora @charizznorizz @sltwins @boherahpsody @herondalism

[minty-thereader]

Izuku x wife! reader || T R I P O U T [PT.2]

Summary: after a mental breakdown, Izuku’s wife went on a three month rampage hurting the people she once used to save. After raining havoc on Japan she was finally captured by Bakugo, and Izuku was forced to watch his wife get taken into custody.

The moment you were taken away in the back of that police car the press was right there to swarm Izuku. They shoved their mics in his face asking him multiple questions, at every angle he turned they were there, making the hero feel overwhelmed with guilt and embarrassment. One reporter tried to actually hit Izuku while she screamed, “you know how many children’s lives she took from us?! You should be ashamed!” Not standing it anymore Bakugo walked over and he roughly pushed the reporters out the way. Izuku wouldn’t dare try to push them back because he was too kind, but with a friend like Bakugo he didn’t need to fight them back.

“All of you need to back the FUCK UP!” Bakugo barked at them, the corner of his lip lifting to mean mug the crowd. “Come ere you stupid…” he paused, gripping Izuku’s suit and dragging him away from the crowd, “just get your ass over here.” The reporters watched in silence as the number two dragged away their number one.

Once away from the civilians and alone Bakugo released Izuku. “Thanks for that,” Izuku doesn’t make eye contact, too sad to look at anybody. “Don’t thank me ever again. You’re sickening, standing there looking broken. This shouldn’t break you DEKU!” Bakugo scolded, his hand slammed on his face. He ran it up and through his hair. “Get your head out the clouds Midoriya,” his voice was low but stern, “get a grip. Go home and take a damn shower, rest, because tomorrow I’m positive you’re gonna have to do a conference to address this.” Bakugo’s hands gripped his hips and he bent forward. “Now I have to go and leave you alone. My girl must be pissed as shit since I left her behind to help your damn wife.”

Bakugo didn’t look back at his friend, before he blasted away and left him behind. Izuku grabbed his suit and imagined that it was you. He knew he had to go and do what the hot head said. Bakugo was right, he had to go get himself together, but the green head felt like he didn’t deserve to give himself that level of kindness. Not yet.

The next day, Izuku, like Bakugo said, was forced to go to a press conference. Everyone threw insults at his face but all he did was smile.

“Mr. Deku why the HELL did pro hero H/N suddenly turn to crime?!” A blonde male reporter asked.

Izuku grabbed the mic in front of him and bent to speak into it, “she didn’t suddenly turn to crime. She isn’t a criminal. She’s just unwell.” Izuku’s female assistant’s face upturned with disappointment. That wasn’t what they discussed for him to respond with.

“What do you mean she’s unwell? She blew up an orphanage and she destroyed an entire hospital!” Another extra screamed at Izuku, the extra’s voice was hoarse like she’d been yelling all day.

“She didn’t do that out of malice. I assure you pro hero H/N is a good person, she just did a few bad things. It wasn’t on purpose.”

The mic went off and then a loud shriek echoed from the speakers. Everyone clung to their ears and Izuku’s male assistant pulled him off the stage. They had Jiro, who was on standby, take out the mic and speakers just in case Izuku started to fuck up. And he did.

“Why are you ruining your reputation even more?!” His assistants were on his ass, but Izuku didn’t look like he cared. The green eyed man sat down and he didn’t even look their way as they went in on him. “Did you even think about what you were saying as you said it?! It looks like you’re an accomplice! Like you’re encouraging her!!” “Can you even hear us?!” Izuku kept ignoring them until they gave up. They looked at one another and they sighed.

“Fine. If you don’t wanna listen to us—” “Good. I’m off.” Izuku stood and flexed his muscles. He placed his mask on his face and then he activated his flying quirk, shooting out the building and heading to the prison they currently kept you in to await trial.

When Izuku arrived the prison guards gave him a weary glare, like they were trying to keep him in place. They had no clue the mental state of Deku so it would make sense that they didn’t want them to enter the building, afraid that he’d try to break his wife out. “What do you want?” The first guard asked through gritted teeth, the grip on his gun was right. “I wanna visit my wife.” Said Izuku with his arms folded across his chest. He was taller than these guys and he felt silly as he looked down at him, thinking to himself, did they really think they could intimidate him of all people?

“Come on don’t be difficult.” Izuku grumbled under his breath, but it was loud enough for them to hear. “S-sorry number one.” They moved out the way and Izuku walked the cold white halls of the high level prison. Naomasa had come down to accompany the hero, his hands firmly at his side as he explained to Izuku the situation. “She won’t talk,” he started, “she scratches at everyone that tries to give her medicine for her injuries, she’s growling like some animal and she’s spitting at people.” Izuku physically cringed at his report.

“She sounds really sick.” Izuku told him. They walked on, almost at your cell. When the two finally made it there Izuku witnessed as the guards had you held down, you were screaming and snatching at their throats with your long fingernails. “Let her go! You’re hurting her!” Izuku yelled at the guards, but they ignored him. Naomasa gripped Izuku’s belt when he made a step forward to stop the guards from manhandling you. “Stop that Deku,” he reasoned, “what the hell do you think you’re even doing here?” Izuku stared with shaking eyes, sweat falling off his face as he watched you fight these guards.

“I just…I wanted to see her.” Naomasa did a simple head nod, understanding the situation perfectly. “Go sit down over there,” he pointed off to a chair, right in front of a glass like wall. Izuku did as told. He had to wait 10 minutes before you finally appeared on the other end of the cell wall. A chain hung around your ankle, one that cancelled quirks. You were forced to sit down and the guards gave the two of you some space.

Izuku stared into your e/c eyes with so much love, but you stared back at him with hate. “Y/n…” he began, putting his hand against the glass. “It’s me, it’s Izuku. Your husband.” You stared at his hand, then at his face. Your lips forming an ugly scowl. “What?” You asked, your voice was deep with anger. “Izuku?…” Izuku said again hoping you’d remember him. Something flicked in your eyes and you started to laugh at him. Your smile bright and your head thrown back to face the ceiling. You looked so gone and it made Izuku’s heart hurt. Like actually hurt, his chest was stinging.

“Stop laughing like you’ve lost your mind.” This whisper leaves his soft pink lips, desperate as he placed his other hand on the glass. You stopped only to look back at him. “I deserve to be here.” You admit, “I did it with a clear conscious.” You look at your dirty shoes, “yeah…there were a few times that I blocked out when I did certain things like…when I blew up that orphanage…” you chuckled. “That wasn’t supposed to happen.” Your voice sounded like it was teasing, it made Izuku uncomfortable.

You looked back up and into his eyes, “I did mean to kill those people at the hospital though.” “I just wanna know why…” Izuku looked so broken as he stared at you. Your hair fell in your face and you shook your head slowly. “Cause no one would listen…” you gave him a smile, a real smile. “You’re all listening now though, right?”

Tears fell down your dirty s/c face, on to your torn orange jumpsuit. “You’re paying attention now right?” Your smile was bright, teeth shining as you inched closer to the glass window that separated you from your lover. “You saw how my quirk got so much stronger?! I could’ve never brought down buildings before. I wonder what else I could do!” You seemed so excited as you spoke about what you did and that made Izuku feel…sick. “You seriously can’t hear yourself right now?!” Izuku screams at you, slamming his hand into the glass. “You’re in PRISON RIGHT NOW Y/N! You’ve KILLED people! Children! BABIES! Tell me you’re just sick! I can help you now. I hear you and I can help you.”

Izuku begged you. When you looked away Izuku used 1% of his strength to hit the glass again. Your body jumped at the loud noise and force he portrayed. It’s good to understand that Izuku wasn’t mad at you, he couldn’t bring himself to be. He was mad at himself and mad at the situation. “I saw your tears y/n…” he forced the words to leave his mouth. “I know you’re still in there. I know you’re sad because of what you did and you didn’t truly mean it.” Your body violently shook as you fought back tears. You stared at your cuffs with wide eyes and your back moved with every deep sniff you took.

“I don’t wanna spend my entire life here.” Your voice was breathy as you spoke. “I want to get help.” You confessed, looking into Izuku’s sparkling water filled eyes with your own dried out ones. “I’m sorry.” Izuku nods. He wanted to hold you so badly. To stroke your h/t h/c hair and tell you how much he loved you and forgave you.

“I’ll appeal for you. I’ll take some time off work. Anything. You don’t have to be a hero anymore if you don’t want to.” You head moves up and down and you sniffle again. “You promise?” You whimper, lips trembling without making eye contact with Izuku. “I will do everything I can to get you the help you need. I’m so sorry for neglecting you.” Izuku watched as you placed your bloody forehead against the glass door. It stained with blood, but you didn’t care as you leaned right where his hand rested. You two sat in absolute silence. Izuku’s head resting on the other end of your body, with a small smile on his face, listening to the soft calm breaths that left your mouth. Falling asleep to the comfort of his wife, both your rings shining in the bright white room, both of you peacefully asleep.

[themultifandomgal]

From 2010- The End Of The X-Factor Journey

2010

Part 6

We stand side by side, Simon stood behind his with his hands on Liam and Zayns shoulders

“Ok here it goes. The public have voted and I’m about to reveal the 2 acts that have received the most votes and will go head to head. Good luck to everyone. In no particular order the first act through the next stage of the final, is…. Matt” Harry takes my hand in his and gives it a squeeze “the next act still in the final is…. Rebecca” and with that we come 3rd. We head over to Matt and Rebecca to hug them both and congratulate them when Dermot asks for us to come back “guys I can see by your faces that your gutted, but how’s this experience been for you? What are the highlights”

“It’s been absolutely incredible. The highlight for me was when we first sang together with YN and you know what we’ve worked hard and done our absolute best” Louis says into the mic

“Zayn, what’s going to happen with One Direction?”

“Errr we’re definitely going to stay together, this isn’t the last of One Direction”

And Zayn was right, because that night Simon offended us a record deal with Syco even though we didn’t win. Obviously we said yes, excited to work on an album together.

The following day I arrive back home in Shrewsbury. Shutting the taxi door behind me my front door opens and out runs Emma. I run over to her and hug her tightly

“I missed you”

“Missed you too” we stay like that for a few more seconds before she helps me with my bags and we walk into the house together

“Dad!” I run over to him and hug him

“Well done. You did do well”

“Thank you” I pull away and look around the room “where’s James?” I ask frowning

“He said he’ll be here later” Emma says “so tell us are you going to make music with the boys?”

“I don’t know how much I can say, but yes. We are going to be making music. Just hope it does well”

“I’m sure it will. Now let’s get some food into you, you’ve gotta be hungry”

“Starving!” I yell laughing.

“Hi guys” I smile waving at the screen in front of me with my dog sat on my lap

“When are you coming?” Liam asks sat in a hotel room with the others. Simon asked us to start writing in America and so they all got a flight 2 days ago, but mine got cancelled

“Me and dad are getting a flight in 2 days”

“Simon wants us to start writing as soon as we can” Zayn says

“I know. Why don’t we throw around some ideas now?” my bedroom door opens and my dad brings me over a cup of tea “thank you”

“We may as well” Niall shrugs

“I have a few notes in my book hang on. Cookie down” I tell my dog, but as soon as she’s on the floor she starts whining

“Cookie is so needy” Harry laughs

“Like you?” Liam chuckles. I roll my eyes and open my suit case and rummage around for my note book

“Hey I’m not needy”

“I beg to differ” I say “YN can you play with my hair? I want a hug” I laugh walking back to my bed and sitting down. Cookie jumps back into my lap

“Hey havin’ someone play with ya hair is very relaxing”

“I’m not saying it isn’t, but I seem to be doing it every time we’re together. Any way let’s get to writing some lyrics”

[chocoyeo]

Lucky [j.yh]

>> jeong yunho x reader >> fluff, cozy, soft, really super very tender, college au, i'm in my yunho feels rn and i want him to be one of my classmates wtf >> wordcount: 1.7k -> it's another boring day in uni, you're exhausted and distracted but you're lucky yunho is with you to keep you company !! <3 [little short story, nothing much happens but hehe] <-

[8:40 a.m]

-Hey! ‘Morning, morning…!

-...Good morning.

-Thaaat… didn’t sound convincing at all. Are you really having a good morning?- Yunho’s sweet voice reached your ears like some sort of lullaby. Although it was only nine in the morning, you felt like taking a nap, again. The one you took on the subway on your way to university wasn’t enough.  

You were feeling quite slumpy for no reason in particular, and your friend had now made it his problem, too. 

-What if we–

-No, Yunho. No skipping lectures…- you tried to sound responsible even though that thought has been lingering in your mind for at least three hours.

-Woah, that’s what you were thinking about? I was gonna suggest to go grab a coffee but if skipping class is what you really want to do then…- he giggled, his eyes searching for yours while the two of you were heading to class: the thought of spending the following hour and a half stuck in a room with other 80 students didn’t really excite you that much. You were glad that Yunho was there to keep you company, though. 

Since you still had some time before the lecture started, the two of you quickly grabbed a drink from the vending machine: a really bitter canned coffee and a really sweet peach ice-tea. What a duo… 

-Hopefully your way too sweet ice-tea won’t make you straight up fall asleep in class.

-Shush, at least it’s not whatever abomination you keep getting.

-It’s just coffee–

-I’m sure you’re the only one in this whole university that buys that.

-Oh well… more for me then, heh!- he shrugged, a faint smirk painting his lips before he took a sip of his drink. The two of you quickly arrived in class and found two seats, your hands swiftly taking out your laptop from your bag, sipping on your drink while waiting for it to turn on and load your notes. The professor hadn’t arrived yet so the room was filled with a lot of chattering, giggles and mumbling; students were gradually filling the seats around you and you found yourself leaning your head on Yunho’s shoulder out of boredom. 

-Yunho, I really don’t want to be here…

-Mh? Do you want to skip? The prof is not he– oh! Nevermind, he’s just arrived.

You scoffed, trying not to laugh too loud at the perfect timing of his comment. Shaking your head slowly, you fixed yourself on the really uncomfortable chair and took one last sip of your drink. as you brought your whole focus to your laptop, the way-too-calm voice that your professor used whenever he had a lecture started to fill your ears. You sighed, probably trying to conceal a possible yawn from leaving your mouth, and threw a quick glance at Yunho, sitting on your right: he was carefully taking notes on his notebook– his handwriting wasn’t the best, but you had always found it quite adorable, the way he would somehow crouch while taking notes, his hand quickly moving on the book, his pencil case storing a whole army of blue pens and blue pens only, besides one yellow highlighter and a pencil.

The professor’s soporific voice echoed in the room (since he had decided to use the mic to be heard better) along with the typing sounds of people taking notes on their laptops. You tried to stay focused, yet your mind was wandering away way too easily, and you didn’t know why: so many thoughts flooded in, the main one being a really strong need to just stand up and leave that damn lecture. You sighed once again, and you suddenly felt someone tapping on your arm.

It was Yunho: his eyes were not hiding the obvious concern and worry he was feeling towards you– but you just couldn’t even explain how come you were feeling so blue that day. Maybe it was the ugly weather? The heavy gray clouds you spotted on your way to class that morning? Or the fact that you had stayed up all night playing games and not winning a single match…

You shook your head and tried to bring your focus back to your laptop screen: that half-empty document page was waiting for some new words to be inserted, and your heavy hands tried to type in whatever the professor was talking about, although tiredness was getting the best of you. Yunho tapped once again on your shoulder, this time he offered you his pencil: you accepted it, now holding it in your hand and not really knowing what to do with it. Yunho lightly pushed his notebook towards you, leaving a blank spot available for you to doodle on. A smile painted your lips while you started to quickly draw some little silly characters, moving to writing random comments and words, and then switching to writing Yunho’s name in various fonts: whenever you completed one, you would leave a quick “dummy ~ “ right next to it just to move on to the next font.

You had obviously abandoned your notes, although you tried from time to time to type in something –some concepts or quick important things– but your attention would move back to Yunho’s notebook quite easily: your eyes and mind were absorbing every letter and drawing you left in that blank space that, well, wasn’t blank anymore. You weren’t aware of the way Yunho had been looking at you the whole time: his eyes softened the moment you accepted the pencil, his lips were curved in a sweet smile and he silently admired every drawing you had left on that page while he carefully took notes without disrupting your little masterpiece.

Once he had to turn the page, though, he lightly tapped on your hand with a finger: you didn’t pay much attention to it for a moment, probably because you were so bored of that lecture and so absorbed in your little world that you weren’t paying attention to anything or anyone at all at that point. His finger traced random lines on your knuckles before you finally stopped and looked at him, giving him a few seconds to turn the page and resume with his notes. You silently apologized, leaving a little smiley right next to the few words he had written. 

The moment you heard your professor dismiss the class, you stretched your arms, somehow acting as if you did something productive during that lecture. You did feel a bit more relaxed and you had to thank Yunho for that. In such an easy way he was able to let you silently vent and get distracted, assuring you that he would have lended you his notes. You promised you would have offered him an ice-cream as a thank you gift. 

-Oh well then, don’t mind me if I choose one of the most expensive ones!

-It’s fine, Yunho. It’s both for the notes and for the fact that I basically vandalized your notebook.

He shook his head, laughing- You really liked writing my name, what, four times in a row? But it’s fine, at least you didn’t fall asleep… 

-C’mon, the professor even used the mic today… It was the perfect lullaby…

-I can’t even imagine falling asleep to an old man explaining marketing graphs but I guess to each their own…- you lightly slapped his arm in response, laughing.

-Right, did you hear about that project the other departments came up with? 

-No, I was too busy writing your name in different fonts for a whole hour.

-Oh, true. Well I just understood that some people will be involved in a whole photoshoot! The photography kids are quite good, you should apply to that.

-Me? Nah, I’d rather–

-Spend the whole night playing games just to come to lectures completely sleep deprived?

You stopped abruptly, nearly tripping in your own steps- What’s up with the sudden callout?!

-I was so worried this morning. But then I checked and saw your last access online was at 2 in the morning… with a 4 hour long gameplay… uninterrupted…

You bit your tongue, your eyes quickly avoiding to meet his. You got busted! And no excuse would have saved you in any way…

You had promised, at the beginning of the semester, that you wouldn’t have destroyed your sleep schedule over some silly video game. You were quite serious about that and allowed Yunho to see your game history and access just to keep you in check. A little detail you had momentarily forgotten…

-Yunho… forgive me?- you looked at him, signaling an apology with your hands, held tight together.

-You’re lucky today we don’t have other lectures… Were you perhaps planning to not come at all?- he looked at you, his eyes nearly closed because of the way he was (jokingly) glaring at you. 

You quickly moved your gaze away, clearing your throat before admitting that you were indeed planning to skip lectures and that was why you went to sleep so late. But in the morning you felt quite guilty, remembering how Yunho would often tell you not to skip classes otherwise it would become a bad habit, so you decided to go even though you were completely sleep-deprived. 

Yunho tried his best to hide a smile from showing on his lips, failing miserably because of how cute you looked in his eyes. His hand fixed a lock of your hair, delicately moving it behind your ear.

-Well, I really appreciate how your sleep deprived brain thought about me, but next time take better care of yourself, okay?- he mumbled, his fingers delicately caressing your hair.

You nodded, receiving a quick peck on your cheek.

-Let’s go then, I’m really in the mood for a big big ice-cream a certain someone is going to offer me!- his hand lightly grabbed yours, and you let him lead you to the usual place you would stop by to get some snacks. 

The sky was clear, no heavy gray clouds were in sight anymore and you really felt better, probably thanks to him and his precious company. You felt really lucky.

[clemswinecorner]

Sidewalk rule [Marcus Armstrong]

Summary: During Yeah Nah G'day you and the screamingmeals cohosts realize Marcus does not know what the sidewalk rule is. A TikTok for reference, in case you also don't know :)

Wordcount: 844

Warnings: none

Huge shoutout to @pinkysky-darling for the idea! Haven't posted in a while, here's little thing I wrote instead of trying to make deadlines :) Have fun!

Main Masterlist

“So I was walking with my girlfriend and as always she was on, like, you know the side of the store window, so of course she had to look at every single item,” Clem, in the middle of the couch, frowns and interrupts James. “Why as always, couldn’t you switch?” James looks to his right at the French man. “Sidewalk rule,” he casually says. “Ah yeah… Okay go on,” Marcus looks at the two, at Rory and back at the duo. “What’s the sidewalk rule?” He asks, a little in doubt whether he missed out on something. "You don’t know the sidewalk rule?" Clem asks surprised as he turns towards the Kiwi. Marcus just shakes his head as you look up from your laptop casually listening to their conversation. "Wait but I thought you did it like, all the time," James asks confused, looking at you behind the camera for confirmation as you look at the three of them with your eyebrows furrowed. "Yeah, you don’t know it?" Marcus shakes his head at you and the other guys. “How un-gentlemen like of you,” James says as Clem dramatically shakes his head. “Red flag, you should break up with him,” you chuckle. “Honestly it kind of is a red flag, maybe I should,” Marcus looks between you guys with wide eyes, still not having a clue what’s going on. He looked adorable being this clueless. “No but I think you do do it,” you say and Clem agrees, having walked with the two of you more than he can count. “I still don’t know what it is,” You chuckle before opening your mouth to explain, James immediately interrupting you. “Wait, do it in the mic,” you roll your eyes as you stand up and walk over, leaning over the couch. “So, for everyone like Marcus who doesn’t know what the sidewalk rule is, there’s two steps to it. One is that the guy, no matter what girl he’s with -whether it be his mom, friend or girlfriend or any other girl- he walks on the side of the road. So this way, when a car comes and crashes into you it will hit him first etc. And then part two, I guess, is that if you’re in a small alley or road and you can’t walk next to her, the guy always walks in front. This way he sees the danger, he gets hit first and all that jazz.”

The boys listen intently as you explain everything. “Oh, well, I actually didn’t know there was a second thing as well, I never thought about that,” James mentions as you walk out of frame again. Clem looks at him, “No I think I've seen that before. Just think it’s sort of something natural to do.” Marcus nods his head in agreement. “Yeah. I never really thought about it but like I always walk in front of you,” you smile at him as he tries to think back to whenever you were walking together. “I don’t know, I kind of always walk on the same side, I think?” He looks at you for confirmation and you hum in agreement. “Yeah I guess most times it just feels weird if I walk on the other side of, you know like my girlfriend,” He says, making a hand gesture in your direction. “I’m rarely consciously thinking ‘oh just need to make sure I’m walking on the side of the cars!’ like it just happens,” Clem smirks as he shares a look with James. “Well. That was the sidewalk rule. Anything else to share about you and your girlfriend’s disgustingly cute habits or should we round it up?” Marcus blushes at James’ statement as you softly giggle. “Weren’t you in the middle of a story?” Clem asks as he glances over at Marcus, who's smiling and biting his lip after you just made eye contact. “Yeah mate, you were talking about your girlfriend looking at every single item,” Marcus changes the subject as he lightly slaps James’ arm over Clem’s shoulder. “Right, I was.” 

“Do you think they notice?” Clem asks James as they make their way to the store for some form of dinner and drinks. “What, that we’re third wheeling?” Clem chuckles at his response. “No, how pure their love is. And how oblivious Marcus is to how he’s actually romantic.” James chuckles as they look at the two of you in front of them walking closely together. "Oh, yeah, no, Y/N definitely knows," James says, Marcus looking at you like a love-sick puppy as the two of you laugh at a joke. "You think?" James nods in your direction, as you look at Marcus with a fond smile, to answer his question. "Yeah. Does he, though?" James simply shrugs. "I mean, I’d assume he’s aware that’s it’s like, real love and what not. Don’t think he knows to what extent, considering the Yeah Nah G’day," Clem laughs along as they catch up with you and Marcus in front of the store. "So, what drinks we getting?"

Taglist:

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[ladykailitha]

If I Rescue You, Will You Rescue Me, Too? Part 12

Woohoo!! I managed to get it done today. Again no promises on tomorrow, but it’s coming along great. I think I have another couple chapters to go, but I’m not sure exactly how many yet. 

RIP Eddie’s poor little mind.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3  Part 4 Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

*

Eddie leaned into the mic and said, “This is for Chrissy and the victims of Hawkins.”

He sat down on the stool and Kirk gave him a thumbs up and then ran to stand next to Steve.

“Just how good is your friend here?” Kirk yelled for Steve to hear.

Steve just grinned.

Then Eddie started the opening chords. It started slow and then gradually ramped it up.

Steve started to bob his head. This was even more incredible than Eddie’s performance in the Upside Down because he had the bass and rhythm guitar to back him when he started. Then the drums hit and Eddie was in his element.

Steve hadn’t seen how hard he went to town on his guitar that day. But Dustin had. He had told Steve that it was the most metal thing he had ever seen. Watching Eddie now, wounded and hurting, putting all his fear and anger into that song, he could believe it.

Kirk looked over at Steve and raised an eyebrow. Steve smirked. It was only going to get better.

Eddie hit the solo and Kirk’s jaw dropped. Steve could see Eddie raise from the stool to standing. He was shredding away and the crowd was eating it up.

Steve let out a piercing whistle and Eddie smiled.

When the song finally came to an end, the roar of the crowd was deafening.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Eddie Munson!” James screamed into the microphone.

The crowd lost their god damn minds.

Kirk came back out and got the crowd cheering again. “I’m worried for my job,” he said getting a laugh from the audience.

“You can keep it for now,” Eddie said with a grin. “I’ve got my own band.”

The crowd oohed and stomped their feet.

James looked over at him. “So what your saying is not get to comfortable or your band will come for us?”

Eddie laughed excitedly. “That’s the plan, man.”

“Let’s hear it again for Eddie Munson!” Kirk roared into his microphone.

The crowd cheered. Eddie reluctantly handed back the guitar and went back to stand next to Steve.

“I’m not sure if I want to kill you or kiss you right now!” Eddie growled into Steve’s ear.

Steve laughed. “It’s not over with yet!”

Eddie gave him the side eye but turned his direction back to the concert. The rest of the concert was a smashing hit and Eddie loved every second of it.  

Afterwards they had pictures taken with the band and Ozzy Osbourne who was well on his way to be sloshed as fuck. But he managed to stay upright for the photos.

Eddie could feel the adrenaline pulsing through his veins and was on top of the world. He was sure that he was the highest he could possibly go.

Until someone came up to Eddie and handed him the guitar he had used on stage. Signed by all the members of Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne.

“Holy shit!” Eddie said looking down at the instrument in his hands. “Thanks, guys. Thank you so much.”

Lars patted him on the back. “When we were told that you lost yours in the earthquake, we knew that we had to do something for you to replace it. We know it’ll never be your sweetheart.”

“But we hope it’ll carry you to wherever you decide to go,” James agreed.

Kirk put a hand on his shoulder. “When Corroded Coffin gets famous, hit us up for a tour, yeah?”

Eddie nodded, too afraid to speak or he’d start crying.

“They absolutely will,” Steve said confidently.

They stayed for a couple of drinks with the band before they set off again for the hotel.

By the time they got back, Eddie was swaying on his feet, still clutching that guitar to his chest. Steve had been given a soft case to keep it protected on the way home, but he didn’t think Eddie would let go of it long enough to use it.

Once they got up to the hotel, Steve gently maneuvered Eddie over to the couch and sat him down.

Eddie looked up at Steve, tears threatening to fall. “Stevie...”

“Hi, there, beautiful,” Steve said, kneeling in front of him.

“This was too much,” he insisted.

Steve shook his head. “Nuh-uh, do you remember what I told you?”

“That it was the perfect amount of awesome for me?” Eddie whispered.

“That’s right, sunshine,” Steve murmured. “You didn’t deserve to be pulled into the Upside Down because you wanted to you wanted to go to a concert and selling drugs was your only option. You didn’t deserve to be dragged into hell because you saw a girl who needed help and did you best.” He rubbed Eddie’s thighs reassuringly. “This was something we could do for you because the nightmares are going to come if they haven’t already. Because you’ll jump at strange noises, because the sound of something snapping will bring it all back. But you didn’t deserve that, sunshine. Any of it.”

Eddie set the guitar down for the first time and brought Steve’s face up to meet his. They kissed softly. “Thank you, sweetheart,” he breathed.

“You’re welcome, Eds.” Steve stood back up and held out his hand to Eddie. “Come on, let’s go get that bath, babe.”

*

They both laid in the tub, Eddie with his back, pressed against Steve’s chest.

“Hmm...” Eddie purred as the jets massaged away the tension that had built up from the excitement. “I’ve decided when I get rich and famous, I’m going to have one of these in every bathroom I own.”

Steve’s chuckle rumbled against Eddie’s back. “Yeah, this is nice. The company is better though.”

Eddie splashed him gently. “Softy.”

Steve kissed the top of Eddie’s head. “Only for you, sunshine.” He looked down. “You want me to wash your hair?”

Eddie just hummed again, which Steve took as a yes. He had put the soap and things nearby because he worried Eddie might fall asleep in the bath. It was the most intimate Steve had ever been with anyone. It was a rush. He thought sex was height of intimacy but this? This topped sex.

He washed Eddie’s hair and then ran conditioner through it. He massaged Eddie’s scalp, and Eddie let his head droop lazily against Steve’s shoulder.

“Feels good, sunshine?” Steve asked into Eddie ear.

Eddie hummed happily. “So good.”

After Steve had worked in the conditioner, he grabbed the pitcher that he filled with warm water and gently poured it over it Eddie’s head, rinsing out the suds.

Steve scrunched his hair in his fingers to make sure that all the conditioner was out.

“You ready to get out or did you want to stay a little longer?”

Eddie rolled a little into Steve’s arms. “Just a little longer. This is so good.”

“Okay, babe,” Steve murmured.

*

They woke up the next morning snuggling together in the king size bed. Steve woke first. He looked down at the boy in his arms and smiled. This weekend had turned out even better than he even dreamed. At best they would be heading back to Hawkins full of potential of something new. At worst, Eddie turned him down and they would have an awkward ride back. But having waking up the second day in a row in each other’s arms? Steve’s imagination wasn’t that good.

Eddie stirred. “I can hear you thinking from here, babe. Go back to sleep.”

Steve huffed out a laugh. “Whatever you say, love.”

They snuggled closer and drifted back to sleep.

Eddie woke up first the second time. He had been so sure that last night had been a dream, but he was lying in Steve’s arms and from here he could see the guitar on the sofa reminding him that no, it hadn’t been a dream. This was his life now.

Once they were fully awake they decided to skip breakfast and just stop for lunch on the way back. They packed up all their stuff, plus all the loot they had gotten last night. In addition to the guitar Metallica had gotten Eddie, they also gave Eddie and Steve goody bags filled with band merch. T-shirts, posters, tour pins. It was quite the haul. They packed the car, the new stuff going on the backseat.

Eddie wanted the guitar up front with him but he couldn’t get it to fit safely, so he was forced to put it on the backseat with the rest of it. He looked back at in longing before he face forward, allowing Steve to drive away.

*

They merely bought some fast food and ate in the car. But it was Steve and not Eddie that insisted they stay near the guitar.

“I think it’ll be okay for twenty minutes, sweetheart,” Eddie said when they stopped.

Steve shook his head. “Things have been going so well this weekend it would be just my luck that something happens the second I look away. Nope. Can’t do it.”

Eddie chuckled and pulled him close. “If it’ll put your mind at ease, babe, then we’ll eat in the car.”

Steve’s shoulders sagged with relief. This had been a first test of sorts, if Eddie could handle Steve’s little anxieties. And he had passed. At least this time.

Steve banished that thought. He wasn’t going to sabotage this relationship before it even got off the ground.

Eddie pulled his arms around his waist and held him tightly. “Just breathe, Stevie. You’re okay.”

Steve let out a shuddering breath. “Sometimes it becomes too much.”

“I’d be more concerned if it didn’t, sweetheart,” Eddie murmured into Steve’s hair. “You have been fighting an unseen, unsung battle for years. And even though Vecna’s dead and his hold on the Upside Down is destroyed, there is still a chance that something else might happen. That could be tomorrow. Next week, next month. But maybe not for decades and you’d have no way of knowing. It’s okay to freak out about little things. Because you can control those, yeah?

Steve nodded.

“So why don’t I go grab us something to eat,” he continued. “And I’ll be right back. Then you can keep an eye on our stuff, while I’m gone?”

Steve let out another shuddering breath, this one seemed to dislodge whatever fear he had bottled up inside him. “Yeah. I can do that.”

Eddie was in and out in no time at all and they sat happily munching on their greasy burgers and slurping their sodas. Slowly Eddie got Steve laughing and relaxing.

Once they were done with their food they through away the garbage and made the last leg of their journey to Hawkins.

They needed to go to the hospital and see Dr Hathaway, but they stopped by Eddie and Wayne’s new house first.

They dropped off all of Eddie’s things and put Steve’s loot in the trunk. And once he had successfully done that, Steve breathed a sigh of relief.

Eddie gave his shoulder a squeeze in support. And then piled back into the car for the drive to the hospital. Steve had called them from the house and let them know they were on their way.

 Part 13 Part 14  Part 15 Part 16 Part 17  Part 18  Part 19  Part 20    

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[givethemsmut]

Dom Mysterio x Reader

Chapter Eleven | Where It All Started…

I watched Dom talk to some beauty with a full face of makeup and outfit so put together I felt underdressed in Dom’s hoodie. Suddenly I felt insecure and small so I stayed put. Sitting on the black case used to store equipment I crossed my legs under me waiting for Dom to be done.

Still shaking off Randy’s veiled threats I scrolled on my phone, buy more things for the house, and plan for our baby.

It wasn’t until Randy walked by, again, asking me to wish him luck. Looking at him confused he elaborated: “Didn’t he tell you? I’m his new arch enemy… I get to ruin his fight. Maybe his life.”

Randy didn’t want me, he just wanted to make sure Dom stayed under his boot. Keeping him in his place as the next legacy up for success.

Quickly standing up I clutched at Randy, begging him to rethink this. I knew Randy was vindictive in the worst ways.

Security stopped me from going further when Randy’s music hit and I watched him rush to the ring from the sidelines.

Costing Dom the match, he grabbed a mic, “I’m tired of your ungrateful ass. Beautiful girlfriend, baby on the way, legacy dad, top tier faction and yet night after night I have to hear you complain. I’m tired of it. I’m gonna give you plenty to complain about.”

I was there when Dom came backstage and I could see the anger all over his face. I rushed him skidding my hand in his. “Dom, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why? You’re the one who gave them the idea when they saw our fight over you at the hotel.” He was sweaty, rage smeared his features and there was nothing I recognized right now. 

“Dom. I need to talk to you privately. Right now.” I followed him off the backstage platform, begging him to stop, while Randy walked through the same way only he wasn’t silent. At all.

“One of those things you can complain about? Ask your girlfriend. Can’t wait to see your face.” 

Randy badgered him and Dom powered towards him, throwing fists and elbows. “Be fucking jealous. I have everything you don’t.”

Security pushed me out of the way and cameras appeared trying to capture the fight. Randy got the last hit in when Dom laid on the dirty floor for longer than needed. When I rushed to his side the cameras zoomed in on Dom before he pushed the camera away.

Finally getting up, Dom took my arm into his grip and dragged me to a private dressing room before slamming the door. Driving his fist against the door he didn’t even turn to face me before speaking, “What does he know that I don’t? Whatever secrets you have aren’t going to be secret anymore.”

“Dom. It was a long time ago. We were babies, living in that condo during your training. None of it was planned.” I stalled trying to avoid saying the sour words.

Turning around his eyes pierced me, “Just say it.”

“It was a mistake, Dominik. We weren’t together.”

“Fucking. Say. It.” He demanded.

“During the Hall of Fame that year Randy kept hitting on me, we had some drinks… we ended up fooling around.” I stood there shaking, trying to keep my composure. 

“You put me through hell the last few days. Demanding I tell you every little detail and here you are confessing to fucking Randy Orton. Was it worth it, sweetheart? Are you ready to relive it on national television?” His voice was laced with venom and I knew better to get smart with any kind of comeback. His body loomed over mine, his mouth tight and his body tense.

“Dom. We weren’t together,” my words shook but I had to say them.

“So I’m the villain, baby? I fucked up because we were together? We’ve been together since we were fourteen. Whether you want to admit it or not. It’s always been us.” Snarling the words in my face I clamped my eyes down. “Start talking. Whatever secrets you still have.”

“Don’t do this, Dominik.” I begged him. 

“I need to fucking cool off. I expect answers.” Walking past me, his shoulder checking mine, I lost my balance. Pivoting I watched Dom pull off his sweaty shirt and peel off his ring attire entirely. I followed him further into the locker room, where the showers sat at the back of the room. 

Hitting the wall with his fist I watched him twist the knob of the shower before pushing down his boxer briefs. Leaning against the wall I forced my eyes down.

“We were drunk. He kept touching me. I thought we’d make out or something but then it escalated…”

Standing under the water with the shower curtain open I was forced to watch his reaction to my confession. “Escalated how? He fucked you?”

“You’ve fucked plenty of girls who weren’t me. Including Marie.” I shot back.

His hands pushed back his hair under the water and I watched his muscles stretch. “On purpose. To hurt you. To make you jealous. None of it ever worked. I didn't even know about Randy so what was your excuse?”

“It’s hard to explain… you won’t understand…”

“I’m familiar with the concept of sex, sweetheart. He fucked you from behind? Missionary? You rode him? It’s not that complicated.” 

Stepping forward I tried to find the words when Dominik’s hand dragged me inside the shower. “Stop trying to not hurt my feelings. Just say it.”

“I rode him but not like that. He didn’t go inside me. It’s hard to explain. I’m so sorry, Dom. It wasn’t like that. It was just a drunken mistake.”

“You expect me to believe you didn’t touch him?”

“As much as she didn’t touch you…” I bit back waiting for his cruelty. 

His hand squeezed my features and I was soaked by the water. “Your pussy is never not going to be mine. It’s been mine since we were fucking fourteen. You can fight it, you can pretend, you can have my babies but nothing you do is going to erase my fucking name on that pussy.”

Dom had a few girls in his lifetime. Not enough to be a player at all but he took pride in being able to make me come without trying. Knowing someone else made me come only tortured him more than our youth.

Leaving me there under the shower head in my clothes he walked away before stopping. “Oh sweetheart? If I see him near you again I’ll fucking go to jail for hurting him. Trust me. See you on the bus in twenty.”

I believed Dom. He was nice until he wasn’t. There was an anger that lived inside of him and it liked to fight. 

When I left the shower I took a deep breath trying to compose myself when I saw a beat pile of clothes folded, a pair of sweats and Dom’s merch shirt. Thankfully I peeled my moist clothes off as fast as I could but it didn’t stop someone from walking in.

“Oi! Sorry!” His accent laid it on thick when I looked up to see one of the guys Dom worked with. His back read Judgement Day in purple and I relaxed a little more.

“I’m almost done. I was exactly supposed to get wet so I didn’t know where the towels were.” I pulled the shirt over my breasts and they shrugged trying not to rush me.

“I don’t want any problems. Dom is not someone I fuck with when it comes to you.”

I was curious when I asked, “what do you mean?”

Finally turning around with his hand over his eyes I let him know I was all set before he looked at me. “He already gave us the speech. You’ve been together since fourteen and if we even look at you sideways we’re dead. He doesn’t play when it comes to you.”

It made me want to smile but we were in a good space. Randy was something from the past trying to bring us down and Dom cheated on me. We were barely surviving and I was pregnant. Nothing was ideal.

Leaving his friend in the dressing room I headed for the outside when Dom was standing there with our bags changed out of his ring outfit. “Ready? Bus tonight. We’ll figure the rest out later.”

“Dom, I wasn’t traveling with you. You already have people you’re traveling with. That’s not fair to them.”

Rhea ended up in the doorway with open arms, “Congrats, girl! I’m so happy for you guys to have a mini Dom Dom!”

Feeling obligated I climbed the stairs to the bus. It was a trailer on wheels, endless room and bunks lining the sides. Following Rhea I parked myself on the couch. 

“Obviously, you guys should take the big bed in the back. I’ll wear headphones tonight.” She said her words with laughter in-between. 

I immediately felt awkward at the joke that we would be having sex on a bus filled with his coworkers. My cheeks flamed up and I announced I wasn’t feeling well before walking towards the back. I expected Dom to follow but after everything I couldn’t punish him for needing space either. 

Crawling onto the big bed I cuddled up to a pillow in my same clothes feeling guilty that their bodies ached while I ended up in the big bed. It made no sense. I wasn’t even showing yet. I scrolled through my phone until Dominik snuck in and shut the door behind him.

I tried not to look in his direction when he crawled onto the bed, crawling over me, and forcing me to pay attention. Twisting over his hands smoothed up my arms, clenching my wrists against the bed. “It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. None of it matters now. You’re having my baby.”

“The past for me is years. Yours is last month.” I spat at him between us.

“Is it easier for you if I fucked her? Is it easier if you fuck Randy? What do you want from me, baby? All I want is you, us. Just tell me what to do. I can’t even touch you. Is that what I have to do? Hold you down and force myself between your legs?” I could see the anger ignite in his eyes when his grip around my wrists got tighter.

“Dom. We’ve been using sex as the answer for years. It doesn’t solve everything.”

“Then fucking forgive me!” His face nudged into my neck and I felt his kisses trail down to my chest. “I'm not leaving. I’m not letting you leave me over a mistake.”

After the silence between us swelled he spoke again, “You’ve always driven me crazy. We’ve never been apart. I needed you…”

“You could have called, texted, FaceTimed me… I would have jumped on a plane for you. I would have done anything for you, Dom.” I pleaded with the vulnerable parts of him.

“I know, baby. I know. I was trying not to jerk off and it only made it worse. I was looking at pictures on my phone while she was talking to me, I don’t even know what she was saying before she kissed me. With my eyes closed I could imagine it was you. Do you remember that one time at the condo? You were shaking and you couldn’t focus. I was hurting like that.” His mouth trailed his kisses down my clothed body.

Trying to relax I tried to get him to stop but it was pointless. “That was different.”

“How? You showed up in my room practically fucking naked begging me to fuck you. I was suffering, I didn’t even get to ask you to let me, baby. I need you.”

[ flashback ]

We had lived together on our own in Florida for a year before things got harder. Dominik was always tempting me, flirting with me, and testing every reserve I had until I couldn’t take it anymore.

I was masterbating twice a day just to find any piece of relief when life got in the way. I had gone a week without any relief and Dom was not helping. 

Walking around in boxer briefs and a plain white shirt I felt myself inch deeper into the couch. Trying to look uninterested but still able to steal looks without being noticed. 

It wasn’t until Dom fell to the couch next to me with his chicken nuggets cluttering a plate. “Want some?”

Shaking my head I stayed silent and curled up in the corner making sure there was enough space between us. We had stopped toying with each other, stopped flirting, stopped acting like reckless kids like back home. We were giving each other space but that didn’t mean every time I saw Dom I didn’t feel my knees go weak.

His hand landed on my thigh, squeezing me enough to force me to look at him. “Catch me up. This week has been hell at the gym. Look at this sick bruise.”

Pulling up his shirt with one hand I saw the bruise hug his hip, all purple and angry. Gasping at the site I asked if he was okay when he so casually responded, “Pull those down a little.”

Hesitantly I let my fingers reach out, touching the waist band and tugging them down to see the bruise only got worse. “Dom.”

“I’m okay, babe. Just comes with the territory.” Pushing up his hips he looked down at the wear and tear with a smile on his face. “I’m finally earning some war wounds.”

I don’t know if I was stressed or hormonal but the tears clouded my vision and I plowed my face into the crook of his shoulder. Sobbing into him I felt a flood gate break realizing what his life was going to be when he only drifted further away. He was going to be on the road, getting hurt, meeting other girls and forgetting me. All of that caved me in. 

Putting down his plate his hands wrapped around me, “Hey, what happened? I’m okay. I promise.”

“It’s not that. It’s everything.” Explaining all my fears he paused, forcing my chin up. “I can’t promise that. I wish I could but I know eventually if we don’t end up together we’ll end up in other people’s beds. Trust me, I don’t want to fuck anyone else.”

Letting me cry into his body I felt myself relax just enough to fall asleep. When I woke up I was tucked in, a blanket laying over me heavily and it was dark throughout our condo. All I could see was the dim glow of light coming from Dom’s room at the end of the hallway. 

Picking myself up I felt all those fears only motivate me when I quietly walked to my room. Rummaging through my clothes I found a black thong and a mesh overlay that showed off everything. A thin see through material was the only thing covering my body.

Nervously I pushed Dom’s door open and stood there in the doorway waiting for him to notice me. Flicking the TV to mute he sat up in his bed, “Don’t do that to me.”

“Do what?” I asked innocently, my finger twisted up in the long ribbon holding the front together. 

“Show me everything I can’t have, baby.”

Pulling the ribbon I let it open carefully, slowly. The material scraping against my hard nipples before it opened. “I don’t want someone else being there for you… I don’t want someone seeing your bruises…”

Sitting in the center of his bed, Dom scrubbed his face wildly like he was going to magically wake up from a dream. “What are we going to do about that?”

Leaning back against the headboard cockily I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I let the cover fall down my shoulder, exposing my entire chest. “Dom,” I whined while fidgeting in the doorway. I wanted to crawl on the bed but I couldn’t get my shaking legs to move. “It’s not working. I can’t keep lying to myself…” I confessed.

“Your legs are shaking…” his hand gripped himself through his covers over his lap. “Mi amore. You made it clear I should stop trying.”

Sneaking into his bed I let the cover up drop to the floor completely first. “You don’t understand, Dom. I need you. I can’t… no one is you.”

Laying there so still my knees rubbed together.  Facing me his tongue swiped his lips, “Okay, tell me the rules.”

Reaching out for his shirt I tugged it gently, “I need you to make love to me. No more games or fucking. I’ve always loved you, Dominik. I just never felt good enough for you.”

“Fuck,” his head drooped to my shoulder. “I wish you said something sooner. Marie texted me… we’ve been talking.”

Suddenly I felt stupid and exposed laying in Dom’s bed. He wasn’t flirting. He simply wanted to show me his beaten body as a trophy. “Oh. I should go. I’m so sorry,” I slipped out of his bed and hurried for the door. 

I had waited a year to decide I needed him just for him to find sanctuary in his ex. I did it to myself. 

“Wait, wait, baby. I’m sorry.” His hand landed on my hip, keeping me in his bed and it only made the rejection worse. “I don’t want to hurt her.”

“You’re right, I’m too late.”

Getting on his knees he ended up on top of me. “I’m not a cheater.”

My hands grasped onto his shirt like a lifeline. “I know, Dom. I can keep a secret, baby. Just between us.” My mouth found his neck and I could help it when my lips trailed kisses to his jaw.

“Fuck, mi amore. We shouldn’t…” Nothing about his words screamed desire or torture enough to finally fall into bed. It was heartbreaking. It was simply sex. 

“I love you, Dom. You’ve never made love to me…” letting my knees brush the outside of his hips I arched my back, pushing my chest into his. “Please, Dom.”

“We’re older now. I don’t wanna hurt her again. We’ve been talking for a few months now.” He said sharply, protective even.

Jealousy swept my body and my hands roamed under his shirt, trying to push it off him until he gave up. Tracing his tattoos with my finger I whispered, “She’s back in Cali, we’re in Florida. I won’t tell, Dom. No one knows me like you do. I don’t want anyone else.”

“Goddamn it. What do you need from me, baby?” All the sexuality suddenly felt transactional instead.

Slipping my hand between us I stroked him inside his underwear. “You. This,” I whimpered before kissing his neck again. 

“What if I can’t fuck you?”

“Just kiss me, Dom.” His mouth found mine and it was almost instantly that his tongue was pressing against mine. My hands begged his hips to hump me.

“Fuck,” he pulled away just enough to feel like rejection.

“Don’t stop. Please baby.” I begged as I pushed the band on his boxers down until his cock fell out. 

“You want that, baby girl? Feel that? That tight ass pussy, am I gonna fit baby?”

Shaking my head, I separated my legs to show him how wet I am. 

“There we go, mi amore. Fuck. Is that what you want? You want to come on my cock baby? Come here, ride this.”

Twisting over he pulled me onto his lap, “that’s it baby.”

“Dom?” I asked before I sat on his lap. Looking up at me he shook his head, pressing back into his hands. “You were hard when I came in… because of her?”

“Yes. She sent me a photo. It doesn’t change that you’ll always turn me on too.”

He felt bad for me. This was pity sex. He wasn’t aching for me the way I was for him. 

Leaning down, our foreheads touched and my lips found his briefly. “You were right, Dom. We missed our time.” 

Dom pushed me off his lap. “You always do this. Make up excuses, run away scared. Marie wouldn’t have affected you at all before. Now she’s an issue? I wasted so much time chasing you.”

I let Dom leave without an argument. That was the last night we spoke for a while and the next time I did Marie was his serious girlfriend coming home for the holidays. 

[burningupp]

stray kids one shot where the reader is a fellow idol (and secret stay). when at a performance they lost their mic which is v recognizable due to the stickers they’ve put all of it (including a few skz stickers). and maybe han or someone is the one who finds it and teases them a bit but then reveals he’s also a fan of their group 🥰

naurrr this was rly cute 🥰 i hope you like it, and thank you so much for requesting!! <3

masterlist

pairing: han jisung x f!reader

wc: 1.5k

warnings: they're both painfully awkward, y/n is a bit emotional, tooth-rotting fluff lol

“Nononononono,” Y/n hissed, breathing heavily as she looked through the bags she just brought up from the car. “Eonnie, did you see my microphone?”

Her manager, Sora, looked over with wide eyes. Sure, it was just a mic, technically speaking. She could use any old microphone and it would do the same thing as her own. Except… could it? Her company had gifted her that mic when she debuted, and it meant the absolute world to her. If she lost it, she was so extremely sure that her life would be over.

“What do you mean have I seen it? Don’t tell me you lost it?!” her manager fretted, aware of the weight the piece of equipment held for her charge. “Seriously, Y/n, don’t joke like that.”

“I’m not, I would never!” the idol whined in response, fighting hard to keep her tears at bay. Her makeup was already done, and she didn’t want to cause an issue for anyone. “Are you sure there’s nothing left in the car?”

Her voice was thin, wobbling and straining. She didn’t want to throw a fit like an actual baby, but it was becoming progressively harder as time passed. She had earned that mic with years of hard training and literal blood, sweat and tears. Without it… she felt like she was still that trainee, the girl who didn’t know when she would be considered good enough, pretty enough, to debut.

“I’ll go check again, babe, but I don’t think so,” was the response. Not what she had been hoping for, but she sincerely thanked her manager for her trouble nonetheless.

Time passed slowly as she waited for news on where her precious mic was. She’d decided to alert the crew of Music Bank that she might need to borrow one, just in case the mic wasn’t found. Her heart was heavy as she spoke to the stagehand about it, but she couldn’t let a simple microphone ruin an entire performance. That would be childish. She was twiddling her thumbs, pacing, biting her lower lip, pacing… name a nervous habit, Y/n was doing it. She still hadn't cried, and honestly, she was kind of proud of at least that much.

She wanted the microphone found, but then again… Her cheeks kept flushing as she imagined the look on the face of whoever found it. The mic was, uh, decorated - with mostly stickers of Stray Kids. There was nothing wrong with being a fan of something, but as a female idol she wasn’t supposed to talk about or reference male idols at all unless directly asked during interviews. She dreaded having to explain it to someone.

No one had seen the stickers, as they were nicely placed right where her hand always was positioned. She’d also thrown off suspicion through the use of other miscellaneous stickers, just in case some meticulous fan (bless their hearts) managed to spot a bit of sticker between her fingers or something.

Y/n let out a tiny shriek when there was a gentle knock on her door. She rushed to get up and fling the door open, convinced it was her manager with news that would either further devastate her or solve all of her problems. As soon as the door was open, she felt her cheeks flood with color and gasped out loud.

“Uhm, hi,” Han Jisung said awkwardly.

She gulped once, closing her eyes to try to get a hold of all her warring emotions. On one hand, her most prized possession was missing, but on the other… One of her absolute favorite seniors was standing outside her greenroom, waiting to talk to her. Presumably. She shook the thoughts off quickly, plastering a kind smile on her face as she bowed low.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” she greeted quietly, cheeks still burning - she absolutely dreaded looking in the mirror later and finding out how red she had been during the entire exchange.

“You too!” Jisung hurried to say, bowing just as deeply in return. “Uhm, I found this laying on a table, and it, uhm, says your name on it,” he started after a few seconds of silence, hastily and clumsily bringing a case out from behind his back and presenting it to her. “I figured you probably needed your mic for the performance.”

His smile was pretty bright despite the general air of awkwardness hanging over their conversation, and normally she might have died inside, but all she could see at that moment was the case holding her microphone. She squealed loudly, grabbing it and pressing it to her chest, holding it close as she took a deep breath.

“Y/n?” a voice asked from behind Jisung before either of them could say anything else, and she snapped her gaze to her manager.

The older woman had looked apologetic upon first approach, but looked delighted as soon as her eyes fell upon the case tightly pressed against the female idol’s chest. Y/n grinned excitedly back as her manager approached, holding the case out to her as they both giggled in relief.

“Thank God,” she groaned as she gently pried the case out of Y/n’s arms. “Thank you so much, Jisung-nim.”

As Jisung smiled back, waving the thanks off as if it were nothing, the woman in front of him widened her eyes in horror as she realized she forgot to thank him properly- or at all, really. She immediately sank into a deep bow, thanking him over and over again.

“Nonono, there’s no need for that,” the man said almost in a panic, bowing even deeper.

The manager stopped for a second to regard the two, but decided to leave them. She smiled smugly to herself as she took the case into the greenroom and shut the door behind her, letting the young ones figure out their own awkwardness.

It took a while, to say the least.

After a while, Jisung got up and gently touched the girl’s shoulder to get her to stand upright again. As she did, he realized that her eyes were swimming with unshed tears, and his brow furrowed immediately. He was certain that if she let him know it was his fault, he would fling himself out a window without hesitation.

“Are you okay, Y/n-nim?” he asked gently, hand still warm against her shoulder.

“Y-yes, I’m sorry,” she said softly, wrapping her arms around her stomach. “The mic just, uh, means a lot to me,” she murmured.

“I would imagine so, considering all the stickers on it,” he teased, and her hands flew up to cover her mouth in shock and horror. He wasn’t supposed to see it!

“Oh God,” she groaned to herself, her hands traveling from her mouth to cover her entire face from her idol. “I-I… I really like your music,” she breathed, blushing and beating herself up six ways to Sunday in her head.

At his laugh, Y/n decided she should face her embarrassment head-on and lifted her gaze from the floor, where it had been intently fixed previously. Her cheeks felt warmer than ever before, and she just knew she looked like an entire tomato.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jisung said after laughing a little more. “To be honest…” he blushed, as if what he was going to say next was as mortifying as what she just went through, “I really like your music too. The other guys too. We kind of… Played rock paper scissors to see who would get to return this to you.”

For a second Y/n was stunned. She was torn two ways; first, she was screaming, crying and fainting all at once - only on the inside, of course. On the other hand, she was screaming, crying and fainting out of embarrassment as opposed to excitement. The rest of the group had seen her mic, too. Damn her luck.

“That… somehow makes it worse,” she laughed, and the boy’s form relaxed. He finally caused her an emotion other than intense embarrassment or shock. He chalked it up as a win in his book. “Anyway. Sincerely, thank you so much - I know it’s silly, but the microp-”

“The microphone means more to you than anything else. I know,” he smiled shily, and she chuckled again.

“You really are a fan of mine, huh?”

“You have no idea,” he grinned.

“Yeah, hi kids,” Y/n’s manager chirped as she stuck her head out through the door, “it’s really lovely to see you guys talking it up and getting along, but I have to ask that you wrap it up; little miss Fussy is going on stage very soon.”

“Oh shoot,” Y/n murmured, her eyes wide again. Adorable, Jisung thought.

“Hey, I hope it’s not weird, but uh…” he murmured, and then cleared his throat as if to buy himself some time. “Could I… have your number?”

The manager rolled her eyes and retreated into the room she’d abruptly came out of. She waited impatiently as the two finished their conversation, both of them blushing in the way that’s only possible when meeting someone you really like. And if Y/n was smiley for the entire week, that was only a perk for the manager.

[goldenart0]

Gift for @emis-equivalent-exchange for @astranauticus! Some Theatre Dani and VR-LA hanging out

ao3 link

“Are you sure it’s fine we’re in here Dani?” VR-LA slowly closed the door into the theatre, trying to make it as quiet as possible. 

Dani strolled right up to the booth, twirling the set of keys around her finger. “Of course,” she called back at him, “I practically run this place. No one will question if I’m here, and if they do they can go fuck themselves. Now come on, I wanna show you how the board works.”

VR-LA jogged up to the booth, where Dani was already messing around with some buttons.

Dani patted the chair in front of the board, “Sit down, I’ve already pulled up the cues. It’s not too different from sound really, all you have to do is press the button when the SM says ‘go’.” Dani took VR-LA’s arm and pushed him to the chair in front of the board, standing to the side of him and holding onto the back of the chair with one hand, gesturing with the other.

“It’s honestly probably less complicated than what you’ve done on sound, since you aren’t focusing on cues and mics, just cues-”

“Are you doing sound this time? I’m surprised you aren’t doing lighting for this show. I don’t remember you saying anything about leaving,” VR-LA interrupted, turning to face Dani.

“No, it’s this music kid that’s been asking for a while and I thought since you’re doing lights why not give it him. H-, He-, I don’t really remember his name, think it started with an H. So no, I’m not in the booth this time, I did design and I’ll be watching the show like a normal person.” Dani looked disappointed for a brief moment before pointing back at the lighting board. “Anyway, here’s your list of cues. You’ll probably want to put them in your script as well, in pencil, before the Q to Q, but it’s really the same as sound. The Stage Manager calls a cue, you response with ‘lx’, and press the button when they say ‘go’. Make you don’t, VR-LA look at me.” Dani twisted the chair to face her and made eye contact with him. “Make sure you only press go when you get told too. Even if the Stage Manager forgets and you know it’s coming. You listen to the Stage Manager no matter what, even if they mess up. Then it’s on them, not you, for messing up a cue.”

VR-LA nodded at Dani and waited until she turned back to face the lighting board and stage to turn back himself. 

“I’ll be at the Q to Q as well, in case changes need to be made, which they probably will be. You know how adding cues works right?” 

VR-LA nodded.

“It’s the same deal, new cues are .5s or .1s or whatever. I’ll probably add or change cues when we have to, but the system isn’t too hard. You can pick colours here,” Dani hovered the cursor over a colour wheel on the monitor, “or there are sets of colours stored here,” she moved to a tab on the side of the screen. “’Cause we have LEDs you can pick all the colours from here. And then this button saves the cue.” Dani paused and looked back at VR-LA. “I can do all of that this weekend and you can watch, don’t worry.”

VR-LA took the mouse from Dani and clicked on a part of the colour wheel Dani pointed at before swirling around inside of it. The light on stage turned blue, before quickly flashing between all the colours VR-LA had hovered on.

“Oh wow that’s. A lot.”

“LEDs am I right. Delightful tools. Anyway, that’s probably all you really need to know, I mostly just wanted to show you the board.” Dani pushed off the desk, standing back upright, and started looking as if to head out, stepping behind him.

“Who is the stage manager by the way?” VR-LA asked, reaching to find the off switch for the board.

“MR-SN, though I would have assumed you already knew that.”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t know, why would you assume I knew that?” VR-LA asked, confused.

“Well,” Dani drew out the word, smirking, “I thought you two were close.”

VR-LA paused. He and MR-SN did work together and he enjoyed hanging out and talking with him, but he wouldn’t say they were particular close. Certainly not anymore than anyone else in the theatre, right?

“And on that note,” Dani continues, still smiling, “No flirting on headset. The booth isn’t as soundproof as you think it is-“

VR-LA whipped around to face Dani. “What?”

“-And I don’t want to hear anything while sitting in the audience.”

“We do not flirt, MR-SN and I don’t flirt with each other, what are you talking about? I don’t flirt with anyone and definitely not MR-SN.” VR-LA’s words came out rushed and he felt his face start to heat up.

“Well I still don’t want to hear anything, flirting or not.”

“I don’t flirt with anyone Dani!”

“I’m just saying that the booth isn’t fully soundproof VR-LA, that’s all.” Dani smiled at him and his, not serious, rage and embarrassment. Then she looked over his shoulder at the stage and her face fell a bit.

“Are you alright Dani?”

Dani made a small noise of surprise and looked back at VR-LA. “Yeah I’m good, just thinking.”

“Are you sure, you looked sad for a second, is something wrong?”

“No it’s fine, just a lot on my mind. It’s your first show as mlx, it’s a new sound op, this is my first time designing lights myself, it’s a lot going on.”

VR-LA didn’t respond to her. There was a lot of new things going on for this show, and Dani had to be under the pressure of designing her first show by herself.

“It’s just that.” Dani spoke up, tapping her fingers against the back of the chair. “I won’t be there if anything happens. I’m not doing cues to make sure they happen when they should, or on headset to say if anything looks weird, or if anything or one goes missing. After the Q to Q I’m done. Can’t touch anything, it’s out of my hands. I’ll just be sitting in the audience and trust you guys have it under control. Which I do, don’t get me wrong, but-”

“But you want to be there to make sure.”

Dani looked down at the floor. “I’ve never not worked a show before. Even backstage, running around making sure props were in their places or actors made their cues. It’s weird to not have to do anything.”

“And let go of your responsibility?” VR-LA added.

“I guess, it just makes me nervous to not be able to do anything. Even through I totally trust you guys, I don’t think you’ll mess up, but if you do, I can’t do anything and that’s nerve-wracking.” Dani squeezed the back of the chair and looked up at VR-LA.

She did look upset. Not angry, but sad, or longing. Like she didn’t want to give this up to VR-LA and whatever person she grabbed for sound. VR-LA knew Dani wouldn’t let him give up his job to her just so she could be back in the booth, even with how much more experience she had then he did. If she was accepting her role as a designer, for her first solo show, she would stick with that no matter how much she wanted to be in the show. VR-LA hoped that if she watched the tech runs it might calm her nervousness but made a mental note to talk to some of the others to do something for Dani in appreciation. 

For now through, “You know, I’m still a bit confused on how to add a cue, could you show it to me again?”

He saw Dani’s eyes light up with excitement again and give him a genuine smile as he pointed back to the monitor, and she came back next to him by the board.

[skylarmoon71]

Patrick Jane (Mentalist) - Short Story : Chapter 3

It’s hard to escape such an awkward ordeal.

For one you remember everything.

Every single embarrassing detail.

It’s a miracle you can face Jane the next morning. Your plan was to pretend that you forgot it all. All you had to do was smile and act like you usually did. Jane would definitely not know the difference. 

“You remember everything don’t you?” 

You hadn’t even fully made it through the door. He must be a mind reader. Surely you weren’t being that obvious. Placing your bag down you clear your throat. 

“Sorry about last night..” You mutter. 

It’s all you can work yourself up to say. 

He just sits there all comfortable and smug. 

“No harm done, just know that I’ll be charging for my good night kisses moving forward.” 

Your face is every shade of red and you look around to ensure no one hears that. 

“Whatever!” 

It’s clear that he would hold it against you. This is Jane after all. 

For the most part you’re surprised. You thought moving forward would be awkward, but he’s still sweet and attentive. Giving you tips as you work cases. You’ve fallen back into an easy position. You’re still friends, but something has definitely shifted in your relationship as the days go by.

One particular afternoon you’re sharing out the snacks you bought on the way in. The case had taken a turn and no one was able to grab a meal, so you volunteered to feed the crew. After everyone is sitting contently with their snacks and Jane with his cup of tea, you take a seat to devour your shortcake but something catches your eye. 

The letter on your desk

It’s been sitting there for at least three weeks. You haven’t had the courage to open it, because you know who it’s from and what it’s about. 

It’s getting close to that time. 

You lower the snack, reaching for the letter. You don’t really need to open it for confirmation. Your eyes seem to immediately drift in Jane’s direction. 

“Jane, can I ask you a favor?” 

He’s curious, both at your tone and the way you look a bit uneasy, he nods. 

“Of course.” 

You stand, moving to him as you hand him the letter. 

“I’ve been invited to a charity event. It’s from my dad.” 

The change in your demeanor speaks for itself. 

“I usually just ignore it. I’ve been getting one of these every year since I left. No matter where I went he always knew where I was, but all he ever did was send these dumb invitations. It’s a shitty attempt at extending an olive branch, but it’s been so long and I..” 

“You miss him.” 

You nod, exhaling softly. 

“My stepmother is going to be there as well. I’d feel better if I had someone to help me in case she walks over with her crocodile tears and fake theatrics.” 

Jane doesn’t need to read you, the hostility is plain in your voice. 

“I’d be happy to join you.” 

Relief rushes over your face as you smile at him. 

“Thank you Jane, this means a lot.” 

“No problem.” 

After reading up on your father there is no way he’d let you go there alone, especially since you’re asking for his company. 

~

You can’t seem to stop tugging at your dress. 

You aren’t even sure why you’re here. It’s been so long, you really wanted to push all the bad memories behind you, but this fancy ball with all these snobby looking people is just more proof that you’re nothing but a prop for him to parade around. 

“Are you okay?” 

Jane has noticed the way you’ve been fidgeting with the dress for the last half hour. You feel bad for dragging him into this, but you didn’t want to be here alone. You’re glad that he agreed to accompany you. This is just another one of your father’s many pretentious charity balls. You expect no different. 

“I’ll be great when I see him. I’m just going to have a private conversation with him and then we’re leaving. If we don’t hurry he’s going to find the mic and-” 

“Good night everyone, thank you all for coming.” the booming voice of your father over the speaker makes you groan. 

“Too late.” You grumble, annoyed. 

This is what you were afraid of. You were clear when you sent him the email that you had no intention of being introduced into his version of society. You just wanted to see him and then leave, but of course he’s made it into another political campaign. He’s standing on the stage like some kind of king, your step mother right next to him. The sight is infuriating. 

“I appreciate all the support. I know that this charity was assembled to raise funds for some very important causes, but another factor I wanted to add was the introduction of my daughter.” 

You have every intention to get the hell out, but it’s too late. The spotlight drops right on you and the people around back up. 

“A round of applause for my beautiful daughter who is an Agent at the California Bureau of Investigation.” 

You’re trying to keep your face neutral, but you hate this. He promised you this wouldn’t happen and he still did it. Nothing has changed. 

“Some of you might not know this but my daughter had a bit of a rebellious streak. She ran off right after she graduated. You know kids, desperate to fight their parents. She’s every bit of her father in regards to ambition, but the rebellion, well that certainly comes from her mother, Bless her soul.” Laughter resounds throughout the room and all you want to do at that moment is cry. You can’t believe he would stoop so low as to use your mother as a topic of entertainment just to make himself look good.

“Excuse me, if I may.” Jane interjects, stepping in front of you. He takes your hand and you look up, clearly unsure of what he intends to say. 

“Who might you be sir?” 

“My name is Patrick Jane, I’m a consultant. I work with the CBI as well.” 

“Great, a coworker. Maybe you can tell us a little about how brave my daughter is.” He lets out that arrogant laugh. 

“I can, but I’d much rather talk about you. For instance you're a self-centered pig who would do anything for publicity and attention. “ Gasps ring in the room and you just stare. 

“Excuse me?” Your father is obviously shocked. 

“You heard me. Your own daughter ran away because despite being an amazing woman you couldn’t see past your own selfish biases. You wanted a son, someone you could train who would be a reflection of yourself. I’m guessing when your daughter was born you were probably barely there to hold her. When her mother died you couldn’t wait to replace her, which explains the bimbo on your arm. Good luck finding a stage big enough to house both your egos.” 

The more he says the less you believe. 

“Your daughter supported and put herself through the academy and college all without your help or money. She did that on her own. She’s an incredible person and an even better agent. If you ever took your head out far enough out of your ass, maybe you would see it. Nevertheless, have a good night.” 

Nothing more is said. Your father is in too much of a shock to say anything. Jane just holds your hand as he guides you out of the building. You can still hear the flashes of the camera as you exit the building. You have no doubt that this will be the topic in the papers for a good few weeks. By the time you make it to his car you’re full on laughing. 

“I can’t believe you said that Jane, that’s crazy.” 

He’s smiling. 

“It’s my job to bring the truth to light, justice and all that.” He shrugs, still wearing that smile. 

“We should probably get out of here before he sends security though.” Jane opens the door and you both jump in, pulling out of the parking in record time, your laughter following down the street. 

When you get back to your home you invite him in for a drink as you both recall the events of the night. You’d settled on the couch, watching the news report. You snort at the picture of your father’s face with the headline. ‘Deadbeat Dad’ attached. 

“You're going to get in trouble tomorrow.” 

“Meh, when am I not in trouble?” 

“You’re right, that’s a rare sight.” 

“Agreed.” 

You’re laughing again, and you’re grateful. You would have never had the courage to stand up to him the way Jane did. There’s nothing you can really do to express your gratitude. You’re just thankful to have someone like Jane in your corner. You send him an easy smile and he turns to you, mirroring your expression. 

“What is it?” 

“I’m just lucky to have someone like you Jane. Thank you, really.” 

“All in a day's work.” 

He’s modest about his caring nature at times. You understand that there is a lot of guilt in regards to his past. He feels like he doesn’t deserve praise sometimes. He also assumes he shouldn’t have love. But you remember every word he said that day when you were having drinks. How honest he’d been about his feelings. Maybe it’s time for you to do the same. 

“Jane, about what you said that night, having feelings for me.” 

“You don’t have to worry about that.” 

“But what if I want to worry about it Jane?” 

He pauses, and you move just a bit closer on the couch. He notices, or course he does. 

“I’ve never had someone like you, Jane. Friend of otherwise. I’d like to think that the reason my heart is racing right now is because what I feel right now isn’t just friendship, but maybe that’s just me.” 

He shakes his head. 

“It’s not just you.” 

You blush. 

“That’s good.” 

He smiles, leaning in just as you do. 

Every movement is slow. Careful. In your mind you feel like you have to be. If you’re not, then you’re scared that this might vanish. When your lips finally meet, the little sigh you release is soft and filled with unfiltered elation. Jane’s hand seems to immediately move to the back of your head as he deepens the kiss.

 His urgency sparks a heat in the pit of your stomach. You don’t even realize you’re moving until you feel his hands on your hip, your legs pressing into the couch at the sides of him as you straddle him. He pulls you closer and you fall right into his lap, fingers tangling into his hair. The little sound he lets out as your fingers brush the back of his head is absolute heaven. 

It takes a while for either or you to part. When you do, Jane conveys a smile. 

“I should be the knight more often.” He says a bit wistfully,

You just smile, pulling him back in.

[thefuzzzz]

Jasico Bingo Challenge #24!!

Prompt: Band AU

Jason wasn’t really sure how he got there, but he was sure he was enjoying himself.

He was in a stuffed building, some hole-in-the-wall place loaded with metalheads. Jason himself was an unassuming metal fan. He didn’t look it, but something about incomprehensible screaming was appealing to his soul.

Currently on stage was a man screaming his heart out. However, Jason’s gaze was more intent on the bassist beside him.

Something about the bright lights and Jason’s slowly disappearing sense of sound made it all the better. This all felt like some kind of dream he’d stumbled into in an attempt to fill the void of a boring Friday night.

The bassist stood out from the rest of the band. He was small and looked to be around Jason’s age if not a little younger. He watched their vocalist intently, eyes sharpened with a kind of focus Jason had never seen look so good in someone before.

He had black hair with little streaks dyed red. He wore a simple black jacket and shirt with some ripped-up jeans and way too many bracelets. They jangled on his wrists as he played up and down the strings.

The song they were playing ended, giving room for the crowd to cheer. Jason had never heard of the band, but they seemed popular. He wasn’t sure why they were performing with a ten-dollar entry fee in a dingy building though.

The vocalist walked around in a circle before addressing the crowd. He was soaked in sweat and had his shirt tugged off and tucked hanging out of his pocket, but he was grinning.

“Hey everybody, hope you’re enjoying yourselves tonight.”

The crowd roared with enthusiasm, only making his smile grow.

He said something else, but Jason wasn’t paying much attention. He was staring at the bassist. Somehow, the bassist stared back. His eyes flickered to Jason’s for a moment before he smiled and looked away towards his vocalist.

Jason felt his face flush. His ears were ringing, but the next interaction would replay in his mind all night.

The singer was still talking as Nico walked over to him. “Alright everybody, our next song is called ‘Want You’. It’s out on Spotify now. This is our first time performing—huh?” He turned to see his bassist tapping him on the shoulder. “What’s up, Nico?”

Jason repeated the name in his mind. It was a nice name, it suited him.

Nico took the mic and said softly but commandingly, “Blondie in the second row, what’s your name?”

Jason looked around for another ‘blondie’ but only found dyed hair and the furthest things from blond imaginable. “Uh, I’m Jason.” He said, stuttering over his words and now acutely aware of how red his face was getting.

“This next song’s for you.” Nico gave the mic back and returned to his spot.

The rest of the band “ooo”-ed at Nico, who just smiled and gave a little look to Jason under his shaggy hair.

The song started, and Jason was met with the lyrics supposedly dedicated to him. A mixture of the suggestive lyrics and Nico’s eyes now glued to him certainly didn’t help his blush.

The song ended as quickly as it started, but maybe that was just the case for Jason. Nico winked subtly.

“Alright, everyone, we had a wonderful time tonight! Glad you all came and were performing here again this time Friday next week!” Their vocalist said.

Nico locked eyes with Jason and smiled before hopping down the steps to the small stage and walking over, unplugging his bass.

He smiled up at Jason. “I’m Nico, nice to meet you,” he said surprisingly politely.

Jason looked down at him. “Well, you know I’m Jason. Nice to meet you too.”

Nico looked him up and down. Jason tried not to twitch under his harsh gaze.

“I like you, you stand out,” Nico said cryptically.

“You stand out too. You’re very different from your bandmates.”

“Are you single?” Nico asked, cutting straight to the chase.

“Yeah, yeah I am. Are you?”

“Yup.”

A second of silence overtook them. It was clear Nico wasn’t the type to do this often. Despite his rough nature he fidgeted his hands in his pocket.

Jason smiled. God, this guy was adorable.

“Here, I’ll put my number in your phone,” Jason said, talking a bit louder so he could actually hear himself over his ringing ears.

Nico handed over his phone, smiling softly.

“Are you busy tomorrow?” Nico asked.

“I’ve got work in the morning, but other than that I’m free.”

“Great, text me what time works and I’ll pick you up then,” Nico said, putting his own number in Jason’s phone.

He handed Jason his phone, letting him see his chipped black nail polish. “See you around, blondie.”

Jason left that concert with a new number in his phone and a red face, both signs of a good night.

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[tothedarkdarkseas]

Unfinished WIP

Hi all. So a while back I had plans for a fic comprised of standalone scenes strung together, akin to Ampersands a bit, taking place across different months and years. It was “a history of Murdoc in knickers,” or a look at how his relationship to wearing knickers (and gendered clothing overall) began, and his tumultuous inter-band relationships seen through that lens, before and including Stu.

At this point, it seems unlikely I’ll ever go back and finish it. I’m sorry for that, I wish I could keep the motivation and momentum going, but... barring an exciting comeback phase with Gorillaz that makes this content feel a bit more relevant, I just can’t help but imagine we’ve reached the end of something.

I’ve still got a little flame in my heart so I’m not exactly putting it out to pasture, but I thought, in case it never happens-- maybe you might like the beginning? Alright, enough chatter, sorry this is clunky and unedited!

--

1.

The first time is a joke. There’s halogen heat on his skin, and gin-rancid men shouting slurs from the edge of frame, and a paste of speed and sweat under the nail on his waving middle finger. The stage is small, it’s nothing, it’s a treestump in swampland swallowing schoolboys’ shoes and breeding tetanus in return, but it doesn’t feel it. In satin he feels like he’s finding the sun.

He’s wearing knickers. And it’s a joke.

The music scene in Stoke is incredibly dull and borderline incestuous, exchanging members from one drain-circling pub rock outfit to the next, every Gary and Marvin swapping caps and guitars until the lineup works its way back ‘round again. It’s enough thrill for them, the endless circling, but Murdoc isn’t compelled by a closed course. Thank fuck there are thousand-watt bulbs among the duds, sloe-eyed boys with teeth enough to push up front and smoke-smelling riot girls, all of them spitting sparks and catching onstage. It’s hell to know one, but a fire gives off light, at least.

He knows this better than most, because Murdoc catches like a tinderbox. Patchouli Clark had flamed out in miserable mockery, his comp tab revoked when it became clear he well outdrank the old cunts throwing bottles at the stage to stop his wailing. His voice is raw and tuneless, less Dylan and Waits than it is a peeling of metal from metal, a sort of aural demolition in progress. Having a habit makes it all the worse, words piling up behind the tongue scraping his gums; if he’s even brought his bass, his playing is erratic and stop-start, metered by the squeals of amp feedback. On a manic night, he splits the skin of his eyelid around the mic stand when he beckons an angry punter onstage and two more follow. There’s blood caked from his brow to the fold of his nostrils, so the air smells sickly of Buckfast and coins when they drag him out. His left eye never really matches the right again after.

Bullworker is the same, only it overlaps with another in between that he can’t even remember the name of. The writing is on the wall again. By now he knows the message well. Maybe it’s simpler when the poet is pretty, when they’re gold-throated and gracious. Maybe it’s the reason the stage was built.

The audience loves you, and you love them for loving you. Love that sees you cloaked in light. Love that never knows the dark.

The audience hates him. The kick is that he likes that, really. He didn’t walk to school with raw, red-sticky heels from his brother’s castoff shoes because people liked him; he didn’t break his nose, knuckles, two ribs and a collarbone before semester’s end because people liked him; he didn’t trade a darling yellow knapsack of stolen medication for a blanket and a spot by the radiator because people liked him. He’s here because he knows that having is born of taking. Murdoc has the audience– when he pulls the mic stand between his knees, presses it hard to his groin as he brays and feels another voyeur wince, he gets what he came for.

[storiesbyastrocraft]

Love Sick - No Meds Please

@im-notbean this is absolutely based on your comment, so thank you!

I start a new job tomorrow and should ABSOLUTELY be asleep right now, but I live to make Aizawa stressed sooooo >:)

*time skip to when I finished writing this*

That's a lie- I started already- but I DO have to work the next 10 days and I am using this time to write >:D

Aizawa X Sick!Male Reader

Taking medicine can be incredibly difficult, especially for Y/n

Pills? No.

Liquid medicine? Not gonna happen.

It didn’t matter how badly Y/n wanted to take medicine, it wasn’t going to happen. And if he tried to force it things almost always got worse.

Aizawa didn’t believe him at first when Y/n mentioned his problem.

“Shota?” Y/n’s voice cracked through the phone. The busy man had only picked up because his boyfriend never called when he was at work, so he assumed the worst. “When are you going to be home, I feel like I’m dying.”

“Y/n?! Is everything okay? Did a villain attack you? Which hospital are you at?” Aizawa was always worried this day would come, the day when his work effected his lover. He shoved papers into his bag, making a mental note to call Mic to cover his class.

“What? No!” Y/n’s pitiful laugh did little to calm the man’s nerves, “I just have a cold or something.”

Aizawa stopped dead in his tracks.

“Sho? You there?”

“You mean to tell me,” Aizawa let out a deep sigh, “That you called just to say you’re a little sick?”

“Well…. yeah.” Y/n grew embarrassed as the silliness of the situation dawned on him. “But I feel really bad. It hurts to move and I can’t breathe and-”

“What medicine have you had? I’ll grab some on my way home.”

“None….”

The silence sat between them was uncomfortable even over the phone. Y/n hated having to open up about his medical habits, it felt so childish. What adult couldn’t suck it up and pop a pill? Him. He couldn’t.

Y/n tried to explain this is his lover, but he was met with resistance.

“Look. I’ll be home in a few hours with some medicine, I don’t know what else you want me to do. You won’t get better if you don’t take anything. I have to go. Try to get some rest, okay?”

It wasn't until Aizawa got back to their shared apartment that he realized just how serious his lover was. Aizawa had truly figured it was just a matter of 'Oh you'll take medicine if it gets bad enough.' but as he watched Y/n's labored breathing he knew that wasn't the case.

That is when the soup ritual started. Growing up Aizawa didn't always have the money to buy whatever medicine was needed to make himself feel better, but his mother always seemed to know just what to throw into a soup to fix him right up.

"Okay kid, what hurts?"

Y/n knew whenever that question was asked that he was in for a delicious treat.

It didn't matter what symptom y/n threw at his lover, Aizawa would figure out how to make a soup that would have him back on his feet by the end of the day! Y/n knew he didn't need to worry about a little capsule when his boyfriend got busy in the kitchen. Very few people knew how to deal with Y/n's aversion to medicine, and even fewer were willing to learn. Maybe that's why Y/n seemed to fall a bit more in love every time he caught a cold.

The hot soup was often accompanied by a glass of cold water. If y/n set down an empty glass, Aizawa would quickly refill it.

"Hydration is important right now, Y/n." Aizawa sighed, "We have to get this sickness out of you."

It took Y/n an embarrassingly long time to realize his lover's trick to get him some vitamin D.

As the day came to an end Aizawa would open the doors to their small balcony. The setting sun covered everything in a golden glow.

"You are so beautiful." Aizawa wasn't one for compliments, but as he saw y/n laying in the sun he couldn't help but say something.

"Sho, I am still in my pajamas and I'm pretty sure I'll be scrubbing soup stains out of this shirt tomorrow."

"Absolutely stunning. Come stand with me."

Aizawa's outstretched hand urged y/n to stand on his weakened legs. The two of them stood watching the sunset, feeling the fleeting warmth upon their skin give way to the crisp night air. Yet as the stars began to show neither of them dared to move. In this moment, everything was perfect. There was no evil, there was no good. There was no suffering, there was no health. There was only love.

Eventually, though the moment would come to an end as the night air got too cold for either of them to bear. Aizawa would leave Y/n standing alone in the cold for only a moment, quickly returning with a blanket for his lover. He would carefully cover Y/n and pull him close, leading him to bed.