#it would’ve sucked for everyone if I got sick then and couldn’t go

[inwarvictory]

while being sick sucks, i’m grateful it happened now and not before the blackpink concert in two weeks

[harryspet]

Fic or Drabble whichever you wanna do.

Dark bsf Rafe taking advantage of vulnerable pregnant reader. Maybe her parents kicked her out? Or her baby daddy left her. Or whatever u see fit.

(Sorry if that sucks I just love ur work sm 🩷)

homestead | r. cameron [p.1]

[warnings] dark!rafe cameron x pregnant!reader, farmer!rafe, pogue!reader, implied jj x reader, kidnapping, future NONCON/DUBCON, little editing, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK 18+

word count: 3.6k

In which you reach rock bottom after JJ gets arrested and your first love returns to save the day.

main masterlist

A boy. 

You looked down at your eighteen-week ultrasound picture and smiled weekly. You and JJ were having a baby boy, and you’d found out completely by yourself. Pope had offered a million times to attend one of your appointments, practically begging a few times because he didn’t want you to go alone. You always rejected him, as the idea of going with someone else never felt right. 

The Heyward’s had already done so much for you by letting you live in their spare bedroom for, basically, your entire pregnancy. No matter how much Pope tried to tell you that they didn’t mind at all, you saw in their eyes that the last person they wanted their son to be friends with was JJ Maybank’s baby mama. You promised them you’d be able to save enough money to get your own place by the end of your pregnancy. 

So far, your day job at a retail clothing store and the late shift you worked as a waitress at The Wreck made you enough to keep you afloat. Pregnancy check-ups and ultrasounds were an expense you weren’t initially expecting and you hated that you were contemplating skipping the next few visits to save money. Besides that, appointments meant you couldn’t work and you needed all the hours you could get. 

The picture reminded you of how much hard work was left, but the feelings were bittersweet. You were so excited to meet your little boy, no matter how small he was at the moment. If JJ’s case would move a little bit faster through the system, he could be there for the big day too. Everyone in Kildare was biased against him, knowing his father too well, and you knew the system would be biased against him as well.  

You were grateful for Pope and for knowing someone else loved JJ as much as you did. JJ wasn’t hard to love, but he was a complicated person, and your relationship seemed to bring out the darkest parts of him. Pope saw his dark side, but …he wasn’t there the night he got arrested. 

You didn’t know someone could yell so loud or be so angry. The two of you were living with his Dad, and the first few months were relatively peaceful, mostly because Luke would usually go out at night, get wasted, and crash on some other part of the island. You and JJ usually played house, taking turns making dinner for each other and sleeping together side by side. 

A week before you realized you were pregnant, Luke came around asking JJ for money that JJ “owed” him, and of course, JJ refused him. You knew he’d been saving for months to take you off the island for your birthday, and he wasn’t giving that up. The fight escalated, with both sides verbally tearing each other down. As soon as Luke mentioned JJ’s mother, there was no stopping JJ. 

The fight had already moved from the bedroom to the kitchen to the porch, and then the men wrestled in the yard. JJ would’ve killed Luke if the police hadn’t come. When he got taken away in cuffs, he was a bloody, swollen mess that you didn’t even recognize. 

It became even messier when Luke decided to press charges against his own son even though they’d both been arrested. You then decided that Luke Maybank was heartless and wouldn’t ever see what you saw in his son. 

It was the weekend, your one day off, and you’d chosen to spend most of it walking to the nearby department store after your trip to the clinic. The Heyward’s wanted to spend the day out on the water but rides on the boat were starting to make you extremely sick. Besides that, you hated fishing and It was one of the hotter days of summer but you’d chosen a lightweight t-shirt dress. Well, dresses were starting to be the only thing that you fit correctly with your growing stomach. 

You tucked the picture you were holding into your purse as you made your way inside. For the past month, you’d been working up the courage to go down the baby aisles. Yet another thing that felt completely wrong doing without JJ. Cara had also offered to help buy you things but you told her every time that you were waiting until you were closer to your due date. You’d hold off from nesting until you were sure that JJ wasn’t getting out. 

Slowly, you looked over every item. Cribs, diapers, breast pumps, baby formula, bottle warmers, and bibs. It was all so overwhelming and you knew getting everything would be expensive but the price tag didn’t quite register to you until now. You had no idea how you were going to pay rent one day and afford all of the things your baby needed. 

You picked up the cutest crib mobile decorated with rocket ships, stars, and planets, and your heart skipped when you realized it was over a hundred dollars. You’d have to work an entire shift to earn that. 

“Y/N?” 

You turned towards the deep voice and the mobile tumbled from your hands, “Shit,” You cursed as you went down with it, hoping you hadn’t broken it because you couldn’t afford to buy it. Rafe Cameron pushed his cart to the side and hurried to help you, “I got it,” You said quickly as you turned away, handing it back on its display. 

Then you really looked at him. The boy you’d been so obsessed with in highschool was not a boy. His light brown hair was longer than you remembered but was tamed by a baseball cap. His white t-shirt and jeans didn’t match the version of him you had in your head, but, honestly, he looked better than you remembered. 

He smiled, rubbing the stubble on his face, as he seemed to take you in. If Rafe looked ten times better, you probably looked ten times worse than you used to. You felt huge although people just started taking note of your bump a couple weeks ago and your hair was messily gathered away from your face. Your dress was not name brand, in fact, you remembered buying it from the exact store you were standing in and you wore boots that used to belong to JJ now that your feet were starting to swell. 

“Hey,” He said.

You breathed out, “Hi.”

“Congratulations,” Rafe glanced at your belly and you wanted to crawl inside your own skin, “I guess?”

“Thanks,” You nodded, “It’s . . . complicated.”

The sad part about being pregnant, unmarried, with your child’s father sitting in jail was that people had no idea what to say to you. 

“How are you?” He asked after you went silent.

“I’m good,” You forced a smile, “How are you?”

“Better now that I’ve ran into you,” His smirk was the exact same as you remembered, “You shopping for the little one?”

“Browsing,” You said, “Didn’t quite realize how expensive all this stuff is.”

You looked at him for understanding before you remembered you were talking to – Kildare’s richest bad boy, “You still keep all your little friends around?”

“Yeah, we’re all a bit spread out now, though. I’m staying with the Heyward’s right now.”

You weren’t quite sure why you were exposing your life to him, but part of you wanted him to know that you were fine, that you had made the right decision choosing JJ over him, and that you were still figuring out life, but you’d be happy. 

“Oh, so it’s Pope’s baby?” The smug look on his face made you realize he was teasing you. 

“You know exactly whose baby it is, Rafe,” You shot back, your eyes rolling back.

You turned to walk away but he grabbed you by your arm, “Y/N, I’m kidding. I’m kidding. I’m sorry, Honey.”

You quickly pulled your arm away from him, folding your arms in front of your chest. You looked over his cart, seeing it was filled with miscellaneous things, but the only thing you could recognize was a massive back of dog food, “You got a dog?”

 “A few,” he said, placing his hands in his back pockets, “I use ‘em for animal herding. Wrangler, Sadie, and a few puppies.”

“Animal herding?”

“Yeah, I got this place on the mainland. I just came through to see Wheezie. I promised she could have one of the puppies before I sold the others.”

“You got a place on the mainland?” Your eyebrows raised, and you tried to keep your mouth from gaping, “Puppies?”

He nodded, laughing lightly, “Had to get my shit together after I got out of rehab and living with my Dad and Rose, it was just never good for me. Still working for him, but I’m just better on my own, you know?”

“I didn’t know you went to rehab,” You said quietly, still trying to process the information he was relaying. 

“A few times to be honest but I’ve been clean for a year,” He admitted while looking a bit closer at you, “Is there anything you need right now? I can help.”

“No, I couldn’t let you do that,” You shook your head quickly, “I’m fine.”

“You never like to accept help, do you?”

“I don’t need anything right now,” You assured him. 

“Hmm,” Rafe huffed, “Can I at least give you a ride, Y/N?”

“How do you know I don’t have one?” 

He gave you a knowing look that made you want to punch him. He was new and improved Rafe, but he was still an asshole, “Well, I also came to look for a new living room rug, and I could use a woman’s perspective. Help me, and I’ll give you a ride back to the Heyward’s.” 

“Whatever,” You shrugged before you began walking, “Fine.”

In his eyes, you could tell he thought he’d won. 

This was so wrong. So, so wrong. JJ would kill you. JJ would kill him. This wasn’t high school anymore, and you weren’t the insecure girl vying for the rich bad boy’s attention. Besides that, you’d always been an option for Rafe. JJ always chose you despite where you came from; now you might have a real chance of having a family. 

You blamed the way your body heated up when he spoke your name on your racing hormones and on the fact that you’d been separated from JJ for months. 

Rafe said he only came to main island to visit Wheezie, but as the weeks passed, you realized he’d found a new reason to visit. At least two times a week, he came in to the Wreck to order food and talk to you. Not only that, he practically texted you daily checking in on you. 

“Why the sudden change?” You asked him one night when closing time was closely approaching and you’d served all your tables, “I mean, I know you hated JJ but I didn’t think it would get in the way of, you know, us.”

“It’s my biggest regret after getting to know you again,” He admitted and the look in his eyes made your heart sink, “But I didn’t really know what I was doing when I was younger. I was so stupid, all I cared about was getting my Dad’s approval and I spiraled when that inevitably didn’t happen.” 

He had a way of making you question all of your own decisions. 

“Ward definitely wouldn’t approve of me now.”

“I told you I don’t care what he thinks.”

“Or what the entirety of Figure 8 will think?”

“Not at all,” He said.

“I care what my friends think.”

“You’re different than them now,” Rafe reached across the table to grab ahold of your hand as his blue eyes stared deeply into your eyes, “You have a great responsibility on your shoulders now. You have to do what’s best for you and the baby. That’s it, fuck what they think.”

“They do want the best for me,” You whispered, tears stinging your eyes.

“They want JJ for you. And he’s sitting in jail right now.”

You pulled your hand away, looking out the onto the dock and dark water. 

“You don’t even know how you should be treated,” Rafe said mostly to himself.

“What does that mean?”

“It means–” He stopped himself, but his skin was flushed with red and you sensed he was calming himself down, “I just think you deserve better.”

“And you’re going to walk into my life after all these years and save me? I can do this by myself.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” Rafe leaned in, “JJ’s going to get out but things aren’t going to get better.”

“Why would you say that?”

“It’s true, he’s a fuckup. He won’t get a good job and there’s a good chance he’ll go right back,” That tipped you over the edge and your chair scraped loudy on the ground as you stood up, ‘“I’m sorry. Look, I’m sorry. I can drive you home.”

“Pope is coming to get me.”

You didn’t spare him a second look as you walked to the back of the kitchen. Until now, he’d refrained from putting all the weight of his judgement on you but you knew all a long he thought you were making a mistake. He’d been through a lot but he’d never struggled like you and JJ had. At the end of the day, he’d always had Ward’s money to fall back on. 

He just hated JJ and he was doing his best to get in between the two of you. 

Two weeks later, you were standing outside the Kildare County Jail, not because you were visiting JJ but because he was being released. Luke dropped the charges against him, and they released lower offenders due to overcrowding. You watched a few reunifications and waited on a cold bench in the lobby; blue hydrangeas in a small bouquet sat neatly in your lap. Your dress was also blue and printed with daisies. He had no idea the two of you were having a boy, and it was your sweet idea of telling him. 

You’d blocked Rafe’s number just that morning after ignoring his messages and calls. He was wrong. Even if he was calling to tell you that, you didn’t want to hear it. They never specified how long it would take to process him but you started to doze off after waiting for two hours. An officer in beige uniform tapped your shoulder lightly to wake you.

You were still hopeful and you expected to see JJ right behind him, “Hello, ma’am. Unfortunately JJ Maybank cannot be released today.”

“What?” Your eyes widened, “Uhm, why?”

“I was informed that additional charges have been filed against him.”

“What do you mean additional charges?” You asked, concern raising in your tone, “Who can I talk to?”

You when through every channel of communication possible, searching for answers. They couldn’t possibly expect you to leave like nothing happened. You found out from another officer, after heavy begging, that they filed another battery charge against him involving another inmate. Somehow, in the two days that he knew he was getting out he managed to catch another charge. 

“Could I at least visit him?” You’d asked and they told you he was in a segregated unit now and not allowed visits. 

You felt your heart physically break. When it fully started to sink in, you left to get fresh air. You walked for a long while until you started to panic. You sat down on the edge of the sidewalk and through teary eyes you tried to search for Pope’s number. What would you do now? Go back to the Heywards and continue to accept their charity? You were kidding yourself thinking you could do this alone. 

It felt like a rejection. You’d never had a real family. JJ knew that and yet he’d left you all alone again. 

You let your phone fall to the side, deciding you wanted to be miserable by yourself and you didn’t want to burden his family any longer. You threw the flowers into the street before your head fell in your hands and you finally let yourself cry for the first time since JJ had gone away. 

The bouquet you’d carefully put together lay discarded in the street and you had no care about the mud that was probably staining your dress now. Just as your chest started to tighten unbearably, you heard the low rumble of car engine and a shadow seemed to drape itself over you. You heard someone calling you, telling you to breathe, but your body wouldn’t obey the instructions. 

Your baby needs you to take a breath, you told yourself but the thought of your baby only made your guilt worsen, “I’ve got you,” You heard that familiar voice say. Being in his arms was far from familiar but your body didnt protest when it felt itself lifted in the air and placed on soft leather. 

The next time you looked up, you felt the car moving, and you saw the sun setting through the window. You felt a hand on your thigh rubbing soothing circles but you felt more paralyze than anything, “Try to take deep breaths,”  You heard him say but your body wasn’t yours to control, “Everything’s gonna be okay now. I’m going to take care of the two of you.” 

You were not in the squeaky twin bed at the Heyward’s house when your eyes peeled open the next morning and you realized that quickly. You saw wooden beams overhead and walls painted a soft cream color. You turned your head to see sunlight coming through lace-curtained windows. As fast as you could move with the extra weight, you pushed the comforter off of you and moved over to the window. It offered a view of rolling fields and distant trees, the greenery stretching as far as your eyes could see.

Looking back around the room, you saw a sturdy, antique bed with wooden nightstands on either side. A handmade quilt with vibrant patches of red and blue sat on top of the bed. Plush pillows piled at the head of the bed. On top of one nightstand was a well-worn book and a framed photo of younger Rafe with a blonde woman beside him. 

On the other nightstand was a vase of freshly picked wildflowers. You remembered your blue hydrangeas, and yesterday’s events came flooding back to you, “Fuck,” You cursed, and your eyes found the bedroom door. Before thinking about walking towards the door, you caught a glimpse of yourself in the large mirror, sitting on top of a wooden dresser. You were dressed in a white silk pajama top and bottoms, a tiny sliver of your belly poked out the bottom of the shirt, but otherwise, they fit you perfectly. All you could do was curse, “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

You moved quickly towards the door, but it opened before you grabbed the handle. You covered your mouth as a shriek left your lips.

Despite your startled appearance, Rafe appeared calm. His hair looked like it had just woken him up, and he wore a simple T-shirt and gym shorts. He closed the door behind him, acting as another barrier to your escape, “What the fuck, Rafe?”

He shushed you, “You need to stay calm,” He warned you, “There’s no point in getting riled up.”

“I was having a panic attack and . . . and you–”

“You needed to get away,” He raised his hands as if to show he wouldn’t cause you harm, “I took you home with me.”

“You took me home with you?” You spoke back to him, “I have a home. Why didn’t you take me back to the Heyward’s?”

“That’s not your home, Honey, and you know that.” 

You shook your head, “You don’t get to decide that. Where’s my phone?”

“It’s wherever you left it,” Rafe shrugged, “You know, when you were having a panic attack on the side of the road. Alone and pregnant with absolutely no one looking out for you. Imagine if it wasn’t me who found you.” 

Rafe looked annoyed like it was you who was crazy in this scenario. You tried to ignore the thought of him undressing you and putting you in these new clothes. The idea of that became harder as you watched his eyes trail from your feet, higher and higher, “Jesus Christ, you don’t even know how precious you are,” He came closer until you were stumbling back onto the bed, “I want you to stay here with me.”

“And if I don’t want the same?” You looked up at him. 

“I’ll let you think it over. Give it some time,” He nodded to himself, “Are you hungry?”

You didn’t answer, only stared back, “I’ll make you something. I’ll be right back.”

He turned on his heel, and as you realized what he was doing, you hurried after him. He closed the door, and as you furiously turned the knob, you realized he’d locked it, “Rafe!” You screamed as you pounded on the door, “Rafe, please don’t do this!”

You felt your tough exterior melt away. This was serious. He was completely serious about keeping you here. 

You rushed over to the windows next, throwing open the curtains, and found that they didn’t budge even as you pushed at them. You kept yourself from another panic attack, knowing that Pope would be looking for you right now. You never told him about Rafe … you were so concerned about him judging you that you next rold him. But if someone found your phone, they would know … but you had no idea what really happened to it.

As you started to pace, you suddenly felt a fluttering sensation. You stopped as you felt a tiny kick inside of you, an unmistakable movement that echoed throughout your whole body. Gently, you caressed your stomach. “I hear you,” you said through heavy breaths as your eyes moved around the room. It’s okay. I’ll figure this out. Don’t worry.”

Please let me know what your thoughts and predictions are! Reblog with a comment to be added to my taglist!

[itadodori]

babydaddy!sukuna who got you pregnant purely out of jealousy. he was sick of everyone trying to steal you away from him, did they not know who the fuck he was? one thing about your husband was.. he always got what he wanted. that’s why when you were in your 2nd trimester— tits growing rapidly, nipples sore, and milk staining through every shirt you owned.. he couldn’t control himself anymore.

“fuck, girl..” sukuna’s right hand cupped your tit, he made sure to rip that annoying shirt off before hand, it got in his way too much. “making me go fuckin’ crazy.”

your mouth was stuck in an o shape— unable to make out any words. your breasts were so sore over the past few weeks.. you constantly told sukuna that they were tender to the touch but he never cared.

“k..kuna no. y’know ‘m sore, it hurts.” your hands met his, trying to gently pry them away but they were way too big. they wouldn’t budge an inch.

before you knew it his head was rested in your neck— leaving rough kisses on the soft skin.

“shh mama, it’s okay, gonna make it feel all better..” he flipped you over gently, making sure you were on your side since he knew any other position was bad for the baby.

“pretty ass tits.. all swollen n’ shit.” sukuna grinned while rubbing his finger over your inflated nipple, squeezing it in his hands, watching your milk spill out.

he swore he could’ve came right then and there.

“oh shit! kuna i c..can’t!” you felt like your breast were going to fall off, especially since you weren’t used to this feeling.

you just started your 2nd trimester— and that’s usually when your boobs hurt the most during pregnancy.

“my poor princess, want me to suck on it instead..? hmm?” you immediately nodded. you were willing to let him do anything to relieve this aching pain.

“such a nasty girl.” by now sukuna’s mouth was latched onto your nipple, slowly sucking until liquid came out. he swore your milk tasted like heaven and he regretted waiting this long to try it.

your hands gripped his hair tight once he brung his hand up to your neck— slightly squeezing it as he continued. if you knew it would’ve felt this good you would’ve let him do this ages ago. all those times you were complaint about being sore could’ve been avoided.

sukuna took a moment to analyze your features— loving the way your body jerked whenever he sucked a little too hard. god, he was going to have to get you pregnant again after this. “doin’ so good for me, mama.. just let me drink.”

yeah, you knew this definitely wouldn’t be your last time carrying his kid.

all rights reserved ©itadodori ♡

[poeticpascal]

I've Got You (Dbf!Joel Miller x Reader)

Masterlist | Request here!

Summary: When a date set up by your father goes wrong, your secret boyfriend and Dad's best friend races to protect you.

Word count: 5.2k

Warnings: smut, 18+, MDNI, attempted sexual assault, abusive language, reader's date is a tory prick, soft!dom!Joel, blowjob, unprotected sex, use of pet names.

A/n: So... this is my first time writing smut. I am super proud of this one, so please let me know what you think! Requests are open so for more Joel/Pedro action, you know where to find me x

Dating your Dad’s best friend is hard. And stupid. Really, you have no clue why either of you thought this'd be a good idea. But you were so far down this path now, so entangled in late night meet-ups and whispered phone calls and unspoken thoughts that sounded a lot like ‘I love you’, that it was too late to turn around and steer the sinking ship of this utter mess back to shore.

More than anything, you hate not having any normalcy with him. You can’t fall straight into his arms after a hard day. You can’t cuddle into his side with a bowl of popcorn watching crappy weeknight telly. You can’t go to the store together, holding hands and making him laugh as you insist on buying a flavour of ice cream that you know he’d love. And it sucks.

Because everyone said Joel would never be one to settle down. He’s too wild, too rough to fit into a polished little box like that. And you’d thought the same. Until you fucked him, then fucked him again, and kept going back until you could see the pain in his eyes each time you left. You could practically feel the heaviness settle in his stomach as you left his bed to sneak back home. It hurts him as much as it does you, and if you weren’t so incredibly in love with him, that would’ve been enough to make you run.

Despite how long you’d kept this going now, a good 6 months at least, it never got any easier. Especially when your Dad started talking about dating. He was protective, but more than anything he wanted to see you happy. So when you suddenly became distant, hiding in your room more often and going out on dates much less, he was concerned. Nowhere near as concerned as he’d be if he found out why you were acting that way, you thought, but concerned all the same.

So when he came home one day, beaming and shouting for you to come downstairs, you thought nothing of it. When he explained there was a new apprentice at his work that he thinks you’d like, you weren’t surprised. And when he told you he’d set up a blind date with said boy, you felt sick.

Because you really couldn’t get out of it. You tried.

“Dad, I just don’t feel like dating right now.”

“Oh come on, you used to have a new date every few weeks. I’m just worried about you. Matthew's really nice, and he likes the same shitty music you do-”

“It’s good music.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I just…” he paused, his worry painted on his face, and there's no way you could’ve said no to him. “Honey, I want you to be happy. I don’t know what’s gotten into you recently” - your best friend, you thought - “but I just need to know you’re okay. So give this a go, for me, alright? And if you have an awful time, that’s it, I’ll never set you up again.”

You sighed. He was right; it’s just one night, one date. One box you have to tick to relieve the pressure that comes from having an affair with your next door neighbour, the one more than twice your age, the one your Dad would call a brother. And besides, your Dad would be working an overnight job, so you’d be spending the night at Joel’s anyway. Something to look forward to.

“Okay, yeah. I’ll go. For you.”

He pulled you in for a hug, tight, and you hugged him right back because you really do hate having to keep this from him. He pulled away, smiling - “great! It’s tonight at 7. He’ll pick you up.”

“You already arranged it?!” You near enough shrieked, but he’d already sauntered off to the kitchen, giggling as he went. 

Typical.

So that’s how you ended up here, at 6:55pm, waiting by the front door for Marcus - or Michael, or something like that - to pick you up. Your phone buzzes, Joel’s name flashing on the screen, that alone making you feel that much calmer.

You’d text him as soon as you talked to your Dad, letting him know about the date. He understood, and you loved that about him; he was mature, compassionate, and he was more than secure in the fact that no matter who you talked to, who flirted with you on nights out, who you were set up with… you’d always come back to him. 

Don’t worry about tonight, baby. It’ll go quickly. I’ll leave the door unlocked for when you get back. Text me if you need picking up. J x

You smile at his initial at the end - it’s such a Dad thing to do, but it makes you happy, especially when he adds a little kiss. He only does that for you.

The sudden sound of a car door closing snaps you out of your thoughts, Joel’s text left on read as what you assume to be your date heads up the driveway. You take a deep, nervous breath, smoothing out your dress and heading to the door just in time for his knock.

You open the door, take a good look at your date, and he’s… okay. Not unattractive, per se. Though you’d come to accept a little while ago that being with Joel had soured your perception of pretty much every other guy. His dusty blonde hair is slicked back with gel, his teeth are way too white, and he’s dripped in designer clothing that just screams, “I have a trust fund.”

“Oh, hi! I’m Matthew.” Right. Matthew. “You must be (Y/N).” He leans in to peck your cheek, and all you can think about is how smooth his skin is as it grazes yours. Nothing like Joel’s coarse stubble that you love so much - especially when it leaves red patches on your cheeks, and your neck, and if you’re really lucky -

Matthew leans back a little, confused, and you’re brought out of your daydream. “Sorry, yeah, that’s me. (Y/N).” 

Well, that was awkward.

You just need to get through these next few hours, you think to yourself, smiling at the boy and letting him lead you out of the house and into his car. You can’t help but glance towards Joel’s place across the street; it looks quiet tonight, though his truck is in the driveway, and as soon as you look up you’re sure you catch the living room blinds suddenly draw shut. You smirk.

──────

The date was going… okay. About as okay as a date you don’t want to be on, with someone you have no interest in, and another man constantly on your mind could go. You could see why your Dad liked him; smart enough, well-polished. His father was a partner in the company, you learned - oh, he’s a ‘Daddy’s credit card’ type you’d thought - and by all intents and purposes he was the sort of guy any parent would hope to see their daughter end up with.

It’s never that easy though, is it?

Because he isn’t rough around the edges like Joel. He doesn’t have his stature, or carry himself with the same brute certitude. You can’t imagine him fucking you up against the wall, working himself up until he’s almost animalistic, somehow using you and worshipping you at the same time. And you can’t see him wrapping you up so tightly afterwards, holding you close and whispering how good you were for me, how proud of you I am.

No, only Joel could do that, and that’s how you like it.

The bill comes, Matthew suggests you split it. You don’t mind. He takes out his credit card, flashing it in front of you. “This is my Dad’s. I can use it as much as I want.” He’s smirking like he’s got something to be proud of, and you really had to fight the urge to roll your eyes. Instead you just smile, before paying your share and making small talk as you head out the door and towards his car.

“So, I thought we could head back to my place.”

You freeze. Yeah, no, not gonna happen. He’s got this shit-eating grin on his face, one you knew all too well from past college boyfriends - that’s a boy who thinks he’s getting some tonight. You shudder, wrapping your arms around your waist and trying to sound sincere as you reply, “this has been lovely, but I’ve got an appointment early in the morning” - not really a lie, if staying in bed with a man over twice your age getting fucked or cuddled or both counts as an appointment - “so I’d rather just head home.”

You reach for the passenger side door, but it’s locked. You try again, pulling on the handle, but it doesn’t budge. You realise then that he’s stepped closer, too close, crowding your vision as you turn to face him while keeping one hand on the door’s handle. He leans an arm against the roof of the car, right beside your head, staring you down. 

“Oh, come on, (Y/N). I’ve got the house to myself tonight, it’ll just be us. I know that’s what you want, don’t be shy.”

His free hand pinches your chin, his touch aggressive where Joel’s is rough but careful, and he tries to close the already too-small gap between you.

You dodge him quickly, slipping out from under his arm and backing up, away from the car, away from him. Matthew just watches you, incredulous, before laughing to himself and taking a step forward. “Look, baby, I know you want this. What is it, are you scared your daddy’s gonna find out?”

“What? No, I-” you splutter, but he interrupts.

“Get in the car, (Y/N). You don’t have to worry about anyone finding out. I can see the way you look at me, I bet you’re dying to fu-”

A heavy sickness has flooded your stomach, your nerves shot from the sudden escalation of what was supposed to be a quiet, albeit tedious, night. But his words hit you, and before you can even think, you’re shouting back at him. 

“You seriously think I want to fuck you? You can’t even pay your half of the bill with your own money. Fuck that. I’ll make my own way home.”

The smug look on his face is quickly washed away with anger, and you continue to slowly step backwards as Matthew follows you. A lick of fear sets in now as the pale streetlights cast shadows on his darkened expression, and you scold yourself for opening your mouth.

“The fuck did you just say to me? Do you know who my Dad is?” - this really isn’t a good time to roll your eyes - “You think you’re too good for me, you bitch? I’ll show you.”

He stalks you, and your eyes frantically dart back to the restaurant you’d just left, though you’d backtracked far enough to be almost at the door again.

People are dining and laughing, some just sitting and watching the world go by. You’re well within their view, and you turn back to see that Matthew’s gaze has followed your own and he’s connected the dots. He can’t do anything in front of them. He locks eyes with you again, scoffing, heading back to his car and loudly shouting something that sounded a lot like “fuckin’ bitch.” Nice.

He drives away; you’re safe, out of the situation, and as the relief floods you the adrenaline does too and tears prick at your eyes. You sit on a small bench just outside the restaurant, dotted with shrubbery and stains from spilt drinks you assume, and take out your phone.

Your last chat with Joel is already open, and you breathe slowly in an attempt to still your shaking hands as you type quickly,

Please come and get me. He was trying to get me to go back with him. Wouldn’t take no for an answer. He’s gone now but I have no ride home.

The text is marked as ‘read’ almost as soon as you send it, though you receive no reply. You didn’t expect to; Joel wasn’t much of a texter. Like, at all. He was slowly getting used to it, what with it being one of the only ways you could really talk when slipping over to his place was too risky. 

In this particular instance, you already knew he’d have read the text, dropped his phone without a second thought and hurried to his truck while muttering to himself what he’s gonna do to the kid, how he won’t see what’s comin’ to him.

Just how badly Joel might react worries you. He’s protective, incredibly so when it comes to you, and that combined with his white hot temper was surely a recipe for some sort of disaster.

Secretly, though, you loved it. And so as you sat on that little bench, frosty air nipping at your skin, you couldn’t help but revel in the warmth that pooled in your core at the thought of what sort of beast Joel would become tonight.

──────

It only takes him around 10 minutes to reach you, and you know for a fact he must’ve ran a red light or two because normally it’s a 20 minute drive at least into town. You stand, walking over to his truck, but before you can hop in he’s already storming out and wrapping you up in his arms, shielding you, eyes darting across the street.

“Where the fuck is he?”

“Joel, I-”

“(Y/N) where the fuck is he? I’m gonna kill that little bastard. Fucking-”

His body is tense, far more so than usual, and anger pours from him in buckets. You pull away to look up at him, his eyes still searching for the boy long gone, and you sigh. “He’s gone, Joel. He left.”

He finally meets your eyes, a cold frown etched on his face, and he somehow looks even angrier than usual. “Did he touch you?” His hands roam your body, searching for you didn’t know what, but you let him do whatever he needed to relax. To know you were safe.

“No, Joely, he didn’t. I’m fine, I promise.”

It usually softens him right up, your little nickname for him. Joely. The first few times you used it, he’d just scoff or roll his eyes, but the small smirk that crept onto his face each time let you know he loved it. Quite how much he loved it was a different story; you hadn’t got together then, though the both of you wanted it, and as your relationship blossomed you became the only one he ever let call him anything other than Joel.

It doesn’t work this time, though, and he remains stern, finally letting you go and searching your eyes for even a hint of anxiety or fear. “What happened?”

“He tried it on, I said no. He tried again, I backed up and made sure there were people watching,” you nod towards the restaurant, still bustling with life. “And he left.”

Joel nods. “You tell him to fuck off?”

“‘Course i did.” 

It seems as if he finally lets up then, giving you a proper hug, one arm around your neck and the other around your waist. He presses a kiss to the top of your head, hard, and the tension leaves him. “That’s my girl.”

You squeeze him tight, burrowing into his shirt and inhaling the scent of him that you loved so much. With one arm around your shoulders, he guides you back to his truck, opening the door for you and helping you. He does it everytime, but it still makes you blush, and you’re sure his lips smirk slightly as your cheeks turn red. Worth it.

The ride back to home is quiet, only the sound of his radio and passing traffic echoing between you. He keeps a hand on your knee, always protective, and every now and then you rub your palm over it to let him know you appreciate it. To say thank you.

Joel was never good with words, and you’d learned over the last few months just how much he relies on touch to express himself. To show love. You’d picked up on his habits, his little signs, his way of telling you his deepest thoughts without having to speak a word.

And when you reciprocated, when you wrapped your hand around his, or brushed his side at the neighbours’ BBQ, or kissed his shoulder in the kitchen, you knew just what it meant to him.

Your driveway is empty as Joel turns onto your street - your Dad must have set off for work already. You sigh in relief; you didn’t have the energy to explain all this to him, and certainly not the energy to try and sneak into Joel’s without him seeing.

Joel steps out first, taking a quick look around to make sure no nosey neighbours were watching, a precaution you were both used to by now. He grabs the door for you again, holding your hand and helping you out, holding you close to his side as he unlocks the door and you both slip inside.

“What do you want to drink?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

He pauses, looking at you, concerned. ”No. You need somethin’ to drink. You need to- to lie down, or somethin’.”

You follow him into the kitchen as he stalks past you, not giving you time to answer and filling a glass with water and ice. “Drink,” he hands it to you.

You take it, thanking him and sipping as he watches. It’s sweet; he cares about you, so much, and when he looks at you like this you can’t help but feel butterflies swirl in your stomach.

“I’m sorry.” It’s almost a whisper, so quiet you wouldn’t have heard if it weren’t so still already in his house.

“Hm?” You look at him, confused.

“I’m sorry he did that to you. S’not - s’not right. I mean, shit, what if you couldn’t get away?” He was spiralling.

“Hey, hey. Joel, it’s okay. I’m okay.” You set down the glass and take him in your arms. He calms, instantly, holding you tightly against him and cupping the back of your head with his hand.

“You shouldn’t have had to go through that.”

“I know.”

He sighs. “I just wanna protect you, honey.”

“I know.”

He pulls back to look at you, framing your face with his hands and running his thumbs along the edge of your cheekbones.  You lean in, letting his lips capture yours in that sweet but desperate way that only Joel can, and moan into his mouth. He slips his tongue against yours, letting one arm fall to your waist as his hand lingers around the hem of your jeans.

The kiss becomes desperate and you reach for his belt, your arousal becoming unbearable as the memory of him so full of anger and protectiveness spins in your mind like a carousel. He breaks the kiss and you groan, chasing his swollen lips with yours.

“We don’t have to do this.” His southern drawl is slick with need, his eyes closed as he rests his forehead against yours. The moment is so sweet, so intimate, that any thoughts of what had happened today were long gone and your mind was full with sweepings of him.

“I want to.”

He grunts, pushing himself further into you so his nose brushes yours like a cat. So much so, you almost purr into him, and it makes you giggle. You curse yourself as he pulls back, cocking an eyebrow and giving you that stare you’d come to know all too well; you’re a pain in my ass, it says. But the corners of his lips turn upwards, and you step forward so you’re once again pressed right up against him, pressing gentle kisses to his jaw.

“You’ve had a big shock today, sweetheart,” he sighs.

You know he’s given up. You know he needs this as much as you do. But you humour him, and tip his head down so you can kiss his lips again. 

“So make me forget.”

It snaps something within him, and you shriek as Joel sweeps you up in his arms, your legs wrapping around his waist in instinct and your head burying itself in his neck. He laughs at the sound you make, something you’d always known to be so rare for him, but that he does far more often now he has you. 

He carries you upstairs, gripping your thighs with his large hands, and the way he holds you so easily just turns you on more. He kicks his bedroom door open, all but throwing you on the bed and watching as you bounced softly on the sheets, undoing his belt that was already half-opened by your shaky hands.

“On your back. Lay your head towards me.”

You did as he said immediately, though your movements were slow, languid. He let you take your time; a part of you thinks he likes to watch you move for him, the way you put on a show, keeping your eyes locked on his and your lips slightly parted and puffy from his kiss. 

You lie on your back, your head dangling off the edge, looking up at him upside down. The hard outline of his cock is just centimetres above you, swollen already, and your desperation to taste it must’ve shown on your face because Joel groans out a soft, strangled “fuck.”

“You need this cock, baby? Need your throat fucked?” You just nod rapidly, desperate for him to do something other than just stand there and watch you, your arousal becoming unbearable. Joel seems to break, too, pulling down his jeans and boxers and gripping his hard length in his hands. 

It’s big at the best of times, but from this angle, his balls level with your eyes and his cock the only thing you can see when you look up at him, it’s painful how bad you need him.

You’d only discovered this position recently, on a night you’d spent at his place while your Dad was away with work, not unlike tonight. Joel had been floored, consumed with pleasure as the stretch of your spine made it so easy for him to slide himself through your mouth and down your throat, the muscles tensing around him and drawing his release much sooner than he’d have liked. 

He slides the head of his cock over your lips, painting them in his precum. You whine, lapping at his taste, desperate but you know better than to lift your hands off the bed. No, you give him control, and he lavishes it.

“Open up, babygirl.”

You comply, parting your lips and moaning as Joel pushes inside, giving you no time to breathe. You try to control yourself, inhaling through your nose and letting your muscles relax before he bottoms out, his groin almost entirely covering your face and your throat full of his thickness. 

It’s filthy, degrading, resigns you to nothing but his to fuck and use as he wants. 

You love it.

“Such a good girl, baby. So good for me, ain’t ya?” You can hardly even nod as your tongue flicks along a particularly swollen vein. He begins to move, pulling out almost entirely before slamming his cock back into your mouth. You moan again, and it hurts, in that delectable way that’ll spend the next few days reminding you of this moment.

Joel’s got one hand on the wooden foot of the bed, keeping himself steady. The other finds its way to your neck, and he stalls as he feels his cock beneath your skin, rapidly pushing in and out. He moans your name, his hips rocking into you harder and harder, chasing a release you knew he wouldn’t let himself have just yet. 

You’re completely at his mercy now, too consumed by his scent and his touch to think, and you hardly register him reaching for your hand and taking it in his own. He starts to mumble, and you only catch a few words - “my good girl. My girl. So- so fuckin’ pretty for me.”

He swells, your tongue working faster against him, his hand squeezing yours and his legs faltering when he suddenly pulls out and stands back with a whimper. Your eyes are glazed over, your sore throat misses him, and your pink swollen lips are trying to say something but you’re not sure what. It feels like his name.

“Come on, pretty girl, come here.” He sits beside you on the edge of the bed, wrapping his big arms around your back and guiding you into his lap. 

His fingers dance over your entrance, collecting the slick that soaked your thighs before pushing a single finger inside, revelling in your arousal. He admires you as you squirm, rolling your hips against his hand, desperate for more and moaning against his lips. 

It’s almost embarrassing how easy you unravel for him, and if it weren’t for your utter infatuation for the man, you’d have hidden your pleasure and at least tried to hold onto some sense of dignity. But you were obsessed, addicted to him, and he knew it. Because god, was he addicted to you, too.

He kisses you, letting another finger slip inside and catching your hiss with his mouth. “So fuckin’ perfect,” he mutters, opening his eyes to look at you, his cock twitching against your thigh. 

“Tell me what you need, angel.”

“Y- you, Joel. I need you. Please.” You hardly register yourself saying the words, but they do the trick, as Joel removes his fingers and instead lines the tip of his cock with your soaking wet entrance. 

“Please, please, fuck me. Fuck-” 

He snaps his hips upwards, driving his cock into your cunt and you gasp as he stretches you. You grip at his shoulders, sure to leave marks, but you know he loves it. 

He sets the pace, guiding you to bounce on his cock as his hips snap upwards again and again, fucking you so hard you can almost see stars. 

His head is buried in your neck, kissing and nipping at the delicate skin, and you try to regain some autonomy and roll your hips side to side making him mewl. 

“So - oh, fuck - so good baby, keep doin’ that.” He spurs you on as your breathless moans and the heavy slap of skin on skin fills the room, lewd but addictive.

The pace is brutal, unforgiving as your thighs tremble and you wonder if he’s feeling the burn of his movements. If he does, he doesn’t show it, just ramming into you and moaning your name against your ear. 

His hand falls from your waist and finds its way to your clit, making you gasp as he circles his thumb around the spot. The near pornographic moan that falls from his lips as you roll into his touch is nearly enough to make you cum right there, but you know better than to cum before he tells you to.

Instead he hoists you further up, giving him better control of your hips, and angles his cock so it hits that perfectly raw spot deep inside you that has tears in your eyes.

“I- I’m gonna-” 

“I know, baby. Just hold on for me. I’ve got you.” You cry at his denial, though it’s quickly forgotten as he flips you over onto your back, his head still tucked under the crook of your neck, his cock still buried inside you. He resumes his fast pace, reaching even deeper inside you with your legs locked around his waist, and you moan so loudly you worry someone’s going to hear you.

Joel doesn’t seem to care as he pulls back to look at you, marvelling at how utterly fucked-out you look for him. His pace starts to falter, each thrust more desperate than the last, and he frantically pushes his tongue into your mouth as you moan in unison.

“Cum for me baby, cum all over my cock, that’s it.” You release on command, crying out as waves of pleasure spread like fire through your body, and the uncontrollable spasms of your orgasm make Joel groan as he spills inside you, still rocking into you and carrying both of your highs.

He doesn’t let his cock slip out of you as he wraps an arm under your back and rolls onto his side, holding you close as he brushes the matted hair away from your forehead and replaces it with a soft kiss. You hum, snuggling into him and trying not to gasp at the feeling of his cock inside you while you were still so sensitive. He can see you flinch and smiles, though he just wants you to rest for now.

“You okay, babygirl?” You just hum again, but he taps your chin and you look up. 

“Answer me, angel.”

“I’m good. Tired.”

Joel nods, running his hand through your hair and agreeing, “me too.” 

You’re quiet for a moment, almost dozing off as the heat that radiates from him lulls you gently to seep, when he breaks the silence again. “What’s his name?”

“Hm?” You reply, too fucked-out to really understand what he was saying.

“That little asshole. What’s his name?”

He’s looking down at you, brows knitted together, and you just sigh. “It doesn’t matter, Joel. He doesn’t matter. I promise.”

“But-“

You cut him off with a kiss, and the tension that built in his shoulders is quickly dissipated. “No ‘but’s. Get some sleep.”

“Aright,” he resigns. “I love you.”

It slips out, sudden, and he freezes before he realises the joy that’s spread across your face from his words. It’s the first time either of you have said it, and the way your eyes light up are enough to let him die a happy man. You nuzzle his nose, your hand gently lay on his chest, your eyes falling shut again. “I love you too, Joel.” He wraps you up tighter, grinning, happy. In love.. “And no asking my Dad, either.”

He scoffs, “I wasn’t going to!” You just cock a brow, eyes still shut, and though you can’t see him you know he’s rolling his eyes. “Let me get you cleaned up, sweetheart.” 

He pulls out of you slowly, making you wince at the loss, and sits up on the bed. When you can still feel his weight beside you, you crack an eye open to see him quickly typing something on his phone, and you frown. “Joel?”

He startles and drops his phone, turning to you and kissing the top of your head. “Sorry, baby, I’m going - just gimme a sec to get you a warm cloth.”

As he leaves for the bathroom you snatch his phone, already knowing what he’d done. Your Dad’s name is at the top of the screen, the chat from just moments ago still open:

What’s the name of that kid (Y/N) went out with?

Matthew Wicks, he’s the new apprentice at work. Why?

Just wondered.

You’re weird, man.

Joel creeps out of the bathroom, frozen as he sees you lock his phone. He offers a small, guilty smile, quickly wiped away as you grab his pillow and playfully launch it at his chest. 

“JOEL!”

──────

Thank you so much for reading! As ever, comments and weblogs are so appreciated, and please let me know if you'd like to be tagged in my future fics!

[horanghaeluvsinniehae]

Hi guys! Im ashamed how long i procrastinated on this BUT I’m back with a lovely request from @want2besomeoneelse who also requested this lovely fic with skz han!! Thank you so much for requesting this because it’s such an adorable idea and i loved it so much even if it took me 2weeks to finish:(

Pairing: ateez wooyoung!bf x gn!reader

Disclaimer: BBQ, kisses, mention of atz beating Wooyoung up if he hurts reader (couldn’t find anything else but please tell me if there is any!!)

Word count:1372 (im sorry i just loved the idea so much😭)

The request was based on the middle photo!<3

The comfort of Wooyoung

After Wooyoung offered the cuddles with the BBQ, the idea didn't seem that bad anymore. You got a little excited and even cheered up a bit at the thought of being with the boys, listening to their banter while cuddling with your lovely boyfriend.

You honestly loved spending time with all of them, but today you were just so exhausted and felt like going out and being around loud crowds of people would just make things worse. But you also haven't seen them properly in a while and they’re like a second family to you and you miss them a lot.

Wooyoung picked you up around seven. After like ten minutes of driving and talking, you realised that he went the opposite way to your usual BBQplace so you questioned him. “Hey Woo…aren’t you going in the wrong direction?” “No babes, we’re going to Yungi! They said that they wouldn't mind if it’s at theirs if it means you're going to come with me!” He smiled at you softly and looked back at the road. Your heart melted when you heard what was happening.

The rest of Ateez are like the big brothers you wish you had when you were younger. They are protective of you and would definitely beat Wooyoung if he hurt you.

When you arrived at Yunho and Mingi’s apartment, Yungi and Hongjoong were setting up the BBQ and the meat outside while the others were half fooling around, half helping the others. After the preparations were done all of you piled outside.

You sat around the grill and when Wooyoung put his arms around you, you instantly melted into his side. You were so tired. Sleep has been terrible these days and today’s meetings sucked the life out of you. The elder knew that cuddles charge you up very well so that’s exactly what you choose to do to recover from today’s work stress.

While everyone fed themselves, your caring boyfriend also fed you as you remained glued to his side. All you had to do was point at the items you wanted to eat and you occasionally kissed him on the cheek to show him that even though you're tired, you are beyond grateful to have him.

After all of the meat was eaten everyone stayed outside around the grill and talked about anything and everything. You listened to Jongho and Mingi both complain about struggling with a new dance move in the choreography, while Wooyoung giggled at them because of course the main dancer had already mastered that move.

After a while, you started getting cold and just wanted to be inside. “Woo…do you think we could move inside, it's cold here. Would the others be okay with that?” you pouted and looked up at him with tired eyes. “Yunho hyung, could all of us move to the couches inside? It’s getting cold and I don't want any of us to get sick.” Wooyoung asked the host. You were thankful that he didn't emphasize that you were cold because you would’ve felt bad for making everyone move inside just because you felt cold. “I support the idea!” Yeosang said who was sitting on your right side. “Well then let’s go inside, but please help us clean up here!” Seonghwa instructed his dongsaengs as he stood up from his chair.

After twenty minutes all of you sat on the couch and Mingi was going through Netflix, waiting for suggestions on what to watch. “Let’s watch the one with Seongwha hyung in it!!” Jongho said enthusiastically while everyone laughed.

After Mingi put How to Train Your Dragon you felt Wooyoung move. “Baby are you comfy?” he kissed your temple softly after he asked. You turned to face him and nodded, giving him a soft peck. He smiled at you brightly and pulled you closer to his side.

Even though you've seen this movie before, you still teared up when Hiccup’s dad told him: you are not my son. While you were trying to sniffle quietly, Wooyoung suddenly lifted you up and put you on his lap. You looked at him confusedly. “Wanted to comfort my baby. I don’t like seeing you sad!” He gave you a quick kiss and wiped your tears for you. You snuggled closer to him and after a while, your sniffles quieted down. Wooyoung softly rubbed your shoulder up and down.

The movie was not even halfway when you started feeling drowsy. You were already tired but with your head on Woo’s chest, you could feel every vibration when he laughed or made a comment so that just added to making you slowly fall into a soft slumber.

You don’t know for how long you were asleep, but you stirred up when Wooyoung started moving around. You wanted to get up because Woo must’ve gotten sore by now. But you couldn't move much upward because two strong arms firmly wrapped around your middle and pulled you right back to where you were before. “Woo, I can move if you want me to-” “No baby I want more cuddles! I just wanted to lie down so it’d be more comfortable for both of us!” he interrupted you and lay on his back while also shifting your body so you’ll be comfy cuddling into his side. “Thank you Youngie!” After you thanked him, you fell right back to sleep, not even realising in your sleep-drunken state that you guys were still in Yungi’s home with the others around you.

As you dozed off again, the others around you started teasing your boyfriend with kissie faces and cheeky looks, but he couldn't care less when you were in his arms. He placed small kisses on your trample and brushed his hand through your hair. Then he rubbed your back while pointing his tongue out at his crazy hyungs and of course, Jongho who has sneakily taken generous amounts of photos of the two of you. Even if Jongho isn't an affectionate person he still loves looking at what you have. Plus it’s great blackmailing material, but that’s not the important part.

Another unknown amount of time went by and this time you woke up when the cold air hit your face. After you looked around you realised that you were at your front door still cuddled up in Wooyoung’s arms while he was opening the door. You wanted to put your legs down, but Woo still didn’t want to let you go.

After you got in Wooyoung brought you to the bathroom, gently placed you on the counter and took care of you as in brushing your teeth and changing you into pyjamas. You got off the counter and walked to your bed, but you realised that Woo hadn’t changed into the pyjamas that he kept at your apartment just in case he wanted to sleep there. You turned around with a sleepy pout on your face and looked up at your boyfriend who was following you to your bedroom. “Young-ah you're gonna leave me here?” you looked at him sadly. “You want me to stay baby?” Woo asked you before giving you a gentle kiss. “Of course I want you to stay!! I always want you here with me Woo!” you exclaimed and hugged him tightly. He chuckled lightly then picked you up and put you down on your back. “I’ll be back quickly baby, I'm just gonna change yeah?” He looked at you lovingly. You just nodded and got comfy in the bed. You closed your eyes because it was getting harder to keep them open.

You were in between awake and fully asleep when you felt the mattress dip next to you then you were grabbed by two familiar hands and pulled into his chest. “I love you, Woo, thank you for today!” you told him and gave him a quick kiss. “I love you too baby and you don't have to thank me!” he said then gave you a kiss back.

He pulled you closer into his chest again and kissed the top of your head. “Good night my love!” He said to you asleep form and then he fell asleep too dreaming about forever and after with you.

Thank you for reading this and im deeply sorry for not posting for 2 weeks:(( im also sorry if me and or my work gives of pick me vibes because i dont mean to😭

Anyways please give me feedbacks because it motivates me to write more and that way i can work on things you point out!!

You can always request and i’d love to receive requests!!

Thank you for reading my work and not forgetting about me!! Take care of yourself and be safe please❤️‍🩹🫂

Taglist: @justwonder113 @ihrtlix @want2besomeoneelse (comment or put in asks if you want to be on the list!)

[bless-my-demons]

Redamancy: Chapter Nineteen

Series Summary: What happens when your soulmate is a vampire that struggles to maintain a diet of trying not to kill you? Common sense says run for the hills, nothing is worth your life - but my heart is whispering why not, what’s there to lose?

Warnings: Cuss words and a weeeee bit of angst, no Jasper tonight - but I promise I’ll make it up to y’all!

Notes: Tomorrow afternoon I’ll try to sort out the bugs with my taglist, tonight I just want to get this posted for y’all to enjoy because I had a stupid long day and Tumblr is wanting to test me for some reason.

Word Count: 2058

Series Masterlist

• January 27, 2006 • Forks HS, WA•

Reader

Bella was noticeably absent from school yesterday and there’s a rumor floating around that she had made a trip to the ER Sunday afternoon. I had texted her yesterday to check on her as soon as I heard the whispers, but I received nothing but radio silence on her end.

I was in the middle of typing her another message as I headed in the direction of my final class of the day when a hand at my shoulder stopped me.

Snapping my head up, my eyes were immediately drawn to the neat row of stitches in Bella’s hairline.

“Holy shit, what-?” I gape, worry for my best friend taking hold of me.

“I um, lost control of one of the dirt bikes, hit a rock and it got me pretty good.” She sheepishly glanced at the floor while explaining herself quietly.

“I heard yesterday you had a trip to the ER on Sunday, I was worried sick about you!” My free hand gripping one of her biceps as I lightly berated her for not texting me back.

Her eyes met mine and something in them shifted, like she didn’t expect me to be so invested in her wellbeing.

“C’mon, let’s get out of here.” I suggest and tug her towards the exit to the student parking lot, “We’ve got some catching up to do.”

“Aren’t you girls supposed to be in school?” Cora, the sweet hearted waitress at Carver’s Cafe, teases us as she sets down our shakes in front of us on the bar.

“It’s just one of those days.” I give her a half smile, stabbing my milkshake with a straw.

She nods understandingly, glancing at Bella’s injured forehead before moving on to other customers.

“Mike invited me to the movies.” She blurts as she scoops off the whipped cream into a discarded dish between us, neither one of us liking the topping.

A gasp slips out before I could reign in my surprise and Bella immediately shushes me.

“It’s not like I want to go with him!” She whisper-yells defensively.

“Well, what did you tell him?” I lean forward to press her for more details.

“I said yes, but!” She holds up a finger to delay my response, “I want it to be a group thing. I can’t deal with this potentially turning into some kind of date.”

“So you want me to come to be the awkward hand-holding buffer?” I smile to myself as I stir my melting drink.

“I’m asking Jake to come too and probably some of the others from school, I just have to find a weekend when everyone is free.”

“Oh thank god!” Her look of shock causes me to elaborate, “I’m not sure I could handle thwarting his advances towards you on my own, that’s a tall order for a wingwoman against Mike Newton on a mission, Bells.”

She groans and slumps back in her seat, “This is the worst, why couldn’t I have just said no?”

“Because you’re a nice person and even slightly hurting someone’s feelings is the worst thing you could do. I get it, I would’ve done the same thing.” Sighing, I slump down in my seat too.

“It sucks being a girl sometimes.”

“Only sometimes?” My head lolls in her direction as I ask her sarcastically and we both let out a giggle.

As soon as I walk in the door from my girl-date with Bella, I shoot a text to Quil:

Hey, you down for going to the movies? Bella is getting some friends together to go at some point in the near future, Jake will probably be there too.

A ping chirps from my phone before I even set my backpack down:

Absolutely, just let me know when and where Y/n/n.

I smile to myself - happy to get him out and hanging with other people, Quil has been struggling recently with Embry dropping off the map to spend time with Sam Uley. Somehow Sam is managing to dig his claws into the young guys of the tribe one by one, there also seems to be a gag order in place to not talk to anyone since Embry is ghosting us.

I just hope Jake and Quil aren’t next, I don’t think I could handle more people abandoning me.

• February 20th, 2006 • Port Angeles, WA •

Reader

This group-movie-thing has got to be the newest and worst idea Isabella Swan has ever had.

Somehow in the shuffle under the dim lighting in the theater, Jake pushed his way between Bella and I, causing Mike to snatch up the other available seat next to her before I could even think of switching sides.

Huffing, I settle for sitting in between Jake and Quil, nervously meeting Bella’s panicked eyes as the opening ads begin playing.

I lean over and bump Quil with my shoulder, “Boys are mindless beasts.” I jokingly whisper.

“And girls never shut the fuck up in movies.” He whispers right back without missing a beat, devouring the bucket of popcorn while his eyes stay glued to the silver screen.

I turn my upper body to face him with a look of shock, this fucker-

But Jacob shushes us before we could get into it. I let out an exasperated sigh and cross my arms as I settle in for the movie, fucking boys.

Ya know, last time I went to the movies I told Bella I would choose the next one.

Well, as my luck would have it, the boys beat us three to two on what to watch. Which means I’ve been left to suffer through gory after gory scene in this stupid action movie.

Cringing behind my hands as I squint, legs tucked up to my chest, Mike suddenly announces, “Okay-I think I’mgoingtothrowup.” And bolts from his chair for the exit, all of us turning to watch him run.

Bella turns to look at me questioningly and I gesture to follow him, all of us rising to leave.

“What a marshmallow.” Jake jokes as soon as we exit the theater and I try to stifle my laughter at the accuracy as we watch Mike dive for the bathroom door. “You should hold out for someone with a stronger stomach. Someone who laughs at the gore that makes weaker men vomit.”

“Yeah - I’ll keep my eye open for that.” Bella laughs, like actually laughs and it makes my heart a little happier to hear the sound from her again.

“I feel bad, he probably has that flu that’s-going around.” Bella’s voice trails off as I watch Jacob slide his hand into hers, but she drops it and twists around at the bottom of the stairs while we wait for Mike.

“What, I can’t hold your hand?” Jake’s offended tone immediately sets alarm bells off in my head and I turn to Quil, my eyes staring a hole in his chest.

“Of course you can, I just think it means something a little different.” I can hear Bella backpedaling to avoid hurting his feelings and it makes me cringe so hard I tune out their words.

Obviously this conversation needs to happen between them, but the urge to step in and come to her rescue fights my rational thought.

“Hey, let’s give them some space.” Quil whispers to me, steering me to the other side of the bathroom. Mike’s sounds of vomiting echoing as we pass and it makes me wince, poor dude can’t catch a break.

“But-” I look over my shoulder to check on my friend and see nothing but Jake’s tense back.

“I can see her from here and she’s fine.” Quil’s eyes never move from Bella, I can tell he feels the same way about their conversation.

“I knew this would happen sooner or later, but right now?” I speculate out loud.

“Jake’s always had the best fucking timing.”

“Really?” I ask questioningly.

“Of course not, dumbass - it was sarcasm.”

I punch his shoulder and he recoils from me at the same time a haggard-looking Mike Newton emerges from the men’s bathroom.

“Well, I need to go home.” The marshmallow announces, interrupting whatever was happening between Jacob and Bella on the stairs. “I-I was feeling sick before the movie. What is your problem?”

Quil hurriedly pushes me towards them, somehow already sensing a shift in the conversation.

“You, you’re my problem. Feeling sick? Maybe you need to go to the hospital. Want me to put you in the hospital?”

Quil surges past me to play mediator at the same time Bella grabs Jacob’s wrist.

“Jake! Jake-Jake, the movie is over, what are you doing?” I standby uselessly and watch as Bella tries to calm him down.

“Hey man-” Quil lays a hand on his chest to get his attention, but it fails.

“You’re really hot… You feel like you have a fever, are you okay?” I watch as Bella’s hands move along his arm, concern flooding her voice and moving her hands.

“I don’t know what’s happening. I gotta go.” Abruptly Jacob rushes for the exit, leaving the four of us dumbfounded in the corridor.

“Dude is weird.” Mike quips, but we ignore him, worried about our friend.

The car ride home with Quil was… Awkward. Jake blowing up on Mike ended the night on a sour note, but his behavior had my mind racing.

It’s so obvious he’s in love with Bella and I’m worried I might eventually find myself in her same shoes. I chew on my lip nervously as I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, too fast for it to be with the beat of whatever is playing on the radio.

Quil leans over to shut the music off, “Alright, what’s wrong?”

At first I’m not really sure what to tell him, the anxiety of having the conversation I know we need to have is eating me alive.

“I’m worried about Jake.”

“Jake will be fine-”

“No, I know that. I’m just worried about what’s going on with him.” My hands tighten on the steering wheel.

“I’m not following, Y/n/n.” His eyebrows bunch together as he turns his face to study me.

“He’s in love with her.” I glance at him for a second before turning back to the road. “And-and I’m worried that we-”

“Pull over, please.” He asks gently and immediately I begin to panic internally.

Slowing to a stop on the shoulder of the deserted road back to Forks, Quil reaches up to turn on the car cabin light before turning to face me fully, “Y/n.”

Slowly I let go of the steering wheel and face him, worried about what he could possibly unleash on me.

“You’re my best friend, plain and simple. Jake and Bella are not us, I don’t have feelings for you like he does for her.” A puff of air blows through my lips as I deflate in relief, but he grabs my hands and continues. “You’re my sister for all intents and purposes, you don’t need to worry about that.”

My breaths are a bit shaky as I come down from the anxiety high, “I just don’t want you to think I’m close to you because I’m looking for something…” I look down at our joined hands and squeeze his. “After him, I just can’t.”

Tears begin to make my vision swim, it hurts every fiber of my being just thinking about potentially wanting someone else.

“I don’t know what happened with Hale,” my breath hitches at the name, “I don’t need the details about that whole situation, but I’m not here to replace him. I don’t want to, I just want a best friend that won’t leave me.”

“That’s all I want too, I can’t take anyone else leaving.”

Quil leans over the center console to pull me into a hug and my body relaxes.

“I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” He whispers before letting go and leaning back into his seat.

Putting the car back into drive and continuing to the reservation to drop him off, a little sliver of dread worms its way into the cracks of my heart.

Everyone that says they aren’t going anywhere eventually goes somewhere, it’s like jinxing yourself with hard odds to beat - impossible.

Next

Teaser

Taglist Part 1:

@aoi-targaryen @Min-jianhyung @pbbsl @timelordhunterandmysterysolver @sheerangermany @clearwater-hoe @Blackbluerose666 @ivy-plays @random-human02 @delightfulbluebirdstarlight @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @gaymazinglula @l3ejm @angelfuzzy2 @losa12308 @thekinkpopstandsforkrackheads @flyawayprincess @ropickle @catbusloki @deviat3dsn0wf0x @lovesanimals0000 @unrevived @h-naec @cutesnakemum @zudooms @itsmytimetoodream @stinkii-boii @acoolnight @anothercoffeeblogx @irishblend10 @from-now-on-im-switzerland @kyraslife2 @naolvshan @kiiwiigii @rosedpetal @kiaraandrea @foolsgoldxo @heartfilia01 @azuredgalaxies @geekysimmerthings @graciereads @ramen-girl-2424 @0hmydekiru @creeqvealley @cherriebat @whichwitchisthebitch @dragon-rider-with-a-book @secretfairytailpetscookie @psychobitchsthings

Sorry it took so long to fix!

[reilliane]

This is my personal obligatory post and apology for my poofing disappearance- if you're not up to read things like these, then feel free to scroll past! Have a good day/night!

—

the poofing, the poofed, and the un-poofing.

TLDR; Bad stuff happened for the entire past year, stopped college just a few months ago to learn the materials myself and market myself in the graphic design industry soon, and got a whole dose of religious epiphany that threw my life around. Wrote in a different account a few months ago to ease and destress without much expectation. Will continue to write albeit there won’t be many updates, had/have to drop original writing plans [right now focusing on a short story for Wanderer, though it doesn’t mean I won’t be able to write for others when I get the time]. May unfortunately discontinue ongoing AUs but will provide a summary for them [I think it’s only Tyranny-?] Will also open writing/art commissions soon, maybe set up a kofi account, but I won’t be ‘gatekeeping’ any content I plan to post. I’m thinking, if ever, it’d only be standalone specials or maybe nsfw [gosh I’m really saying that?] in kofi, buuut that’s just a maybe. Everything else is free to read of course <3 

A really detailed and long [I MEAN IT, MAYBE 1.3-.5K?? WC] exposition under the cut, but of course, it’s optional to read!

PS. I opened my drafts and had one or two finished works there, I will publish those soon. Get ready. Because they’re angst AHAAAAAAAAAA-

PPS. I won’t be able to respond to everyone’s sweet shucking messages in my inbox forgive me But know that I’M REALLY SO TOUCHED YALL I really didn’t think anyone would look for me that much 😭 Someone said I vanished like the avatar and it’s sending me crumpling to the floor.

ALRIGHT STORYTIME LET’S GO—first of all, I haven’t been on Tumblr for so long, nor have I interacted with anyone and coming back,, the web interface bamboozled me.

Anyway- the past year was roooough, like settling in and getting into college.

From the start, my brother and I have known of our depleting resources but couldn’t stop because of our mother’s insistence and my father’s very.. volatile attitude. Double the latter since he has cancer and has been nothing short of cranky and infuriated for the past years—knowing that the money is facing a downward slope because of his expensive medicines and learning that we’ll stop because of it would’ve,, been terribly bad and that's understating the nature of my headstrong, independent, and prideful father.

There were times when he was very somber about his state, but then mad—it was just a really bad time, but my brother and I finally convinced our mom that we had to stop for real a few months ago because money was just tight. Until now we’re hiding the fact from our dad that we stopped under the pretense that we’re only taking one course for the semester :v

We were very lost and torn.

I knew I had to go out and look for a job, but my brother would be doing the same, too—the thing was that we knew our mom couldn’t handle our dad being sick alone, so my brother opted to be the one to find work outside.

I’m learning materials and courses on my own at home, but finding a remote job without a degree is no doubt near unimaginable with how remote setups are almost nonexistent now. The time was just bleak at home, too, my father would ask for bad things to eat that would worsen his health and then blame it all on my mother when he felt body pains and repercussions—it was just BAD, that wasn't all of it, but I digress. Cancer sucks. 

Just a few days ago, I lost my uncle to the same thing, and now there’s an overall family dispute over who gets what and it feels like I’m living a kdrama fever dream [pls get me out hfasjdkfhdsaf]. I don’t recommend it if it’s not romance lmao.

Things were getting so out of hand and I also couldn’t get back into writing or socializing with everyone in my writing socials—but I still wanted to write without the expectation of being able to deliver as I used to. It was a de-stresser for me, so I opened a new account in ao3/quotev and wrote in.. November or December, I think. It was nice, I got to just type away and post and leave it at that.

I think one of the reasons why I didn’t go to Tumblr for that was because I knew I wouldn’t be able to commit to updates, and I love you guys, I didn’t want to say something and promise it’d be given but then nothing. I’ve done it back then and I just, don’t want to do that :(

Despite how heavy and dark the past year was, however, something really unexpected happened—okay here it goes.

As a child, I’ve been taught about Christian doctrine and was brought up to believe in the existence of a God. I didn’t have my heart in it though, of course not, how was I to believe something that I only knew because someone said it to me?? I did attend church out of duty and had a shallow fear of the greater being, but as an authentic believing person? Naw. 

Not until June at least.

I don’t know how to explain it rather I, out of the want to give my mother the chance to go somewhere she wanted to for Sunday, decided to join her for church. I was ready to just daze off and think about some solution to our problems, but then the sermon spoke to me—you know, that feeling when someone is passive-aggressively referring to you in a complaint or something?

It felt like that, only it felt like that message was something I was meant to hear, and boy I couldn’t believe it—neither did my mother [lol]. She told me how shocked she was when I listened throughout the what, an hour and a half of preaching that I usually just dismiss. 

It’s cliche, but my life really changed after that one simple Sunday.

All my tweeeeenty years of living, I’ve asked if God really is real and whatnot and I never got answered until July of 2023. What really cemented my belief in knowing that he is real, is when I decided to genuinely pray—then for seven consecutive days, the Bible would lead me to a page [like just randomly opening a part of the book after prayer] that answered my questions and/or convicted me of something. I'd wake up every day and an event would happen that would answer my confusion and I'd sit in the night thinking 'no way that just happened', but it did. Boy, when I tell you I thought I was going crazy.

Not to mention opportunities such as baptism and ministry suddenly popped my way when I only had the idea in my head and I kept it to myself. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but when it ‘popped up’ more than thrice in a single week, I knew it wasn’t. Think of it as like, the thing in fanfiction when it seemed like the universe was saying something to you. Yeah, I felt that for myself. Mindblowing.

I could go on and on about the other life-changing things that occurred, but this would be so long LOL.

But I never regret coming to faith and accepting Jesus for real that day, and although life is still dark for me these days, the burden feels light. It’s an amazing feeling. He's really changed everything.

I’m not going to force anyone these beliefs—I knew how it felt to be on the receiving end and it could get very annoying, rather I just spoke on it to say how wonderful it was to know him, and it would be nice to let others know about my side in case they'd also take the faith. Who knows?

Also, I think I understand what those people were saying now. Again, I won’t force anyone—just reminding and asking you to try if you want, because it’s amazing. Bombard me in my inbox if you’re interested, but no pushing here, because I’m a firm believer that things shouldn’t be forced if it’s not the right time yet. 

Anyway, that was my source of strength and hope to go through these days—and I believe it’s also the driving force that led me to write this out in.. in Tumblr of all places lol. If someone told me this would happen two years ago I'd laugh in their face 💀

Rather than just getting back into writing and opening my social circle again, there’s that bit in me that wants to say that religious epiphany. That said, I know how diverse everyone is in their beliefs so I’ll say it very tersely that, no, I will not be parading and pushing people to believe this and that—this space is, after all, my space for writing :)

Ah, and nor will I ramble about it like shuck lol, but I will, in private, when prompted. 

With that out of the way, back into writing—I was floored when I first opened Tumblr and saw all the notifications and messages about my disappearance and I could’ve cried, really. It touches me poor heart :sob: and I wanted to thank all of you for such caring messages—I wouldn’t be able to reply to all of them [there were many!

Like maybe more than fifteen or twenty, not even counting the direct messages] but know that I’m very- very grateful for every one of you.

I could crawl out of your screen and hug yall but I won’t because I can’t and it’d throw people off KJHFSADKJFHALJSKDFHA

Life is, again, still hard—and navigating it is still difficult, but I’m managing these days. I can no longer return to my usual days of sporadic updates and teasers lol, but I’m happy to say I will still be writing, though it won’t be my entire focus nowadays. When I open writing commissions for genshin and art commissions, it’d get me going, of course. 

I have to let go of most of my beloved works because I realized that sticking to them would take up most of my time when I need to be out there upskilling and taking initiative to start earning money to support the bills. I still wanted to write though, and in my downtime I even got to watching One Piece and writing a currently on-hold fanfiction for that in Ao3, but fuuully realized that, no, I’m no longer cut out for really long written stuff unless I commit to writing a long piece that would take weeks for it to be published. 

In the end I settled for a single character [wanderer bb] short story that I get into writing without much hassle, and make myself happy, still :) I have ideas for other characters, too, but getting them out to be posted would take longer than usual.

My other AUs, as well, since my focus is just.. God, life, expenses, work, then hobbies. I don’t guarantee finishing them [I think Tyranny? And others, like Smite/Mercy/etc.], but I have in mind to write a summary because I meant it back then when I said the plot was really finished. Sighgisghsighs

Opening art commissions, I’d do that soon—writing, too.

Maybe a kofi account, as well—but I won’t be having any posts I want to be posted to be locked behind some tip or pay. I’m thinking of only adding specials there, specials like, standalone oneshots from an AU, or an nsfw piece. Oh golly, writing that is so beyond me, I think that’s the only reason why if anything is going to be in kofi, it’d probably be the nsfw. I plan to keep this writing blog sfw, still. 

But we’ll,,, we’ll see [dying]

So yeah! That’s.. Everything. For the writing thing, I think I’ll technically just be .. here, lol, with a focus on that story with wanderer. Gone are the 7k worded oneshots, now we’re just around 1.5k unless I commit to the creation. The story is so fluffy too [not angst? Surprising] 

But again, I will write for others eventually—can’t say when, or how, or who, but I will in time. 

I have so many plans in my head about my life, and I’m glad to say going back to Tumblr is a check off the list. I have an original novel in mind, but would you all be interested in such a thing? I don’t honestly know—other than opening commissions, I also plan on a Youtube Channel, but that’s uncertain. A Webtoon for my original plot too is a maybe, buuuut those are just what-ifs. Time will tell!

Those are just my two cents and I don’t regret sharing that—you guys have been with me for so long, even if I don’t really know you all beyond that screen, you all really became a part of my life, too :”)) 

If you reached the end of this post, wow, I’m touched. I hope you all have a good day–oh wait, what do I say? Ah yes.

I wish you all a good mornight [fhkadjsfhiajhgf].

God bless yall sweet people. 

[jahayla-parker]

I would really love a Freddy Carter drunk fluff fic where he gets super tipsy and finds his Gf, the reader and she helps him. I'd love if it could have lots of hiccups and drunken belches/burps???

Thanks love!!

Drunk In Love : Freddy Carter x Reader

Desc: 4.7k wc, y/n has to help take care of her boyfriend Freddy when he drinks too much. Fluff, Freddy being a simp for reader, comfort, ‘sick’ fic trope.

Warnings: a few swear words, drinking and talks of alcoholic beverages, mentions of hangovers and other side effects of drinking, very minor warnings tbh

“Wherrre issss y/n” Freddy frowned, his hand sliding down from his brother, Tom’s, shoulder as he returned to their table. He couldn’t figure out where his girlfriend, y/n, had went off to. Freddy and y/n had gone out tonight with their friends and his older brother. They’d been at this particular pub for what felt like an hour, but Freddy hadn’t seen y/n since they first got here.

Tom laughed loudly as he noticed his brother’s state. He shook his head slightly, “I don’t know mate, but you might want to take it easy on the drinks”. Tom wasn’t sure how many beverages his brother had so far, but it was clearly enough to make him tipsy.

Freddy furrowed his brows, “whhhaaat drinksss?” His eyes danced around the table, making note of everyone’s empty glasses. “They’re allll eeempty” Freddy argued.

Tom chuckled, “exactly”. When Freddy only appeared to become more confused, Tom rolled his eyes. “Let’s go find your girl, hmm?” He knew Freddy needed to start pacing his drinks but suspected y/n would be better at convincing him of that. Tom placed his hands on his brother’s shoulders as he tried to lead Freddy towards where they’d last seen his girlfriend.

Freddy pouted dramatically as he sloppily sat down at the bar, his brother holding him up with one hand. His eyes slowly dragged across the room in hopes of finding y/n. Freddy slouched against the bar in defeat upon not having found her during his brief search.

“I texted her Fred, she’s headed over” Tom chuckled, once again shaking his head at his brother’s drunken state.

Freddy perked up slightly only for him to burp loudly, having sucked in too much air. He slapped a hand over his mouth as Tom laughed even louder. “Wherrree issss-“ Freddy mumbled, dropping his hand.

“Give her a sec” Tom groaned, rolling his eyes as he sat down beside Freddy.

Freddy merely huffed dramatically before hiccuping. His chest shook as he tried to contain his hiccups. Once they resolved, Freddy resumed pouting as he played with the hem of his shirt.

Y/n suppressed her chuckle as she noticed Freddy’s slouched posture. Even from a slight distance, it was clear he was using the bar counter for support. She took a deep breath in preparation of whatever silly, over the top, theatrics her drunk boyfriend would throw her way tonight. Y/n approached from behind Freddy, placing a hand on his shoulder. She bashfully bit her lip as Freddy lazily threw his head backwards and grinned adorably up at her.

“Hey handsome, you doing okay?” Y/n asked, lifting his head back up before walking to his side. She smiled and nodded at Tom in appreciation for getting her. Had y/n known Freddy planned on drinking this much, she would’ve stayed by his side to keep an eye on him.

Freddy nodded his head, a tiny hiccup escaping his lips. His eyes widened in response before he pressed his lips into a fine line as he moved his gaze back to y/n.

“You're too adorable for your own good" Y/n laughed. She smirked at the pink flush on Freddy’s cheeks darkening at her comment. Y/n tilted her head slightly as she examined the rest of his appearance. “Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked.

“I’m fiiinne” Freddy dragged out, trying to stand up. He wanted to move closer to y/n and figured he’d walk the few feet to her and then use the bar as support again. Only, Freddy didn’t make it much closer to y/n before he began to stumble.

Fortunately, Y/n was very attentive towards her tipsy boyfriend. She managed to catch Freddy by his arm before he fell. "You are anything but fine right now" y/n commented softly.

“No but youuureee fiine” Freddy smirked crookedly, his dizzy body being held up by y/n. He blinked slowly, his sloppy smirk still on his lips as he tried to wink at his girlfriend.

Tom groaned before erupting in laughter, “oh my”.

Y/n bit her lip and shook her head. “That was really cheesy” she pointed out with a grin.

“Cheeesse?“ Freddy questioned followed by a loud belch. Unfazed by his noisy burp, he glanced around in search of what y/n was talking about. Freddy’s eyes furrowed as he struggled to comprehend her response, not having found any cheese nearby.

Y/n hummed, a lighthearted smirk on her face. “How many drinks did you have?" she asked, sending Freddy a knowing look.

Freddy just stared back at y/n with a dorky smile, making Tom laugh.

“Freddy, babe, how many did you have?” Y/n asked again. When she still didn’t get a response, she glanced over at Tom. Y/n was hoping Freddy’s brother would have some estimate for her. Unfortunately, she was let down when Tom merely shrugged. Y/n turned back to face Freddy.

Freddy had already been watching y/n. So when she turned to him, he answered her earlier question. It had taken Freddy some time to figure out the answer, but now he had it. “Threes two,” he mumbled proudly.

“Three two?” Y/n repeated in confusion.

“I heard thirty two,” Tom commented, eyes wide as he stared at Freddy.

“Thirty two? Shit, I hope not,” Y/n laughed. She knew Tom had to be wrong. Y/n had no doubt Freddy was plastered. But she knew he would never have 32 drinks in one night.

“Nooo,” Freddy whined just before he hiccuped. He focused on y/n with an intense gaze as he repeated himself. “Three,” he hiccuped. Holding up two fingers, Freddy continued, “two”. His last word was followed by yet another hiccup.

Y/n shot a glance at Tom to see if he was having any luck understanding her drunken boyfriend’s gibberish. Upon not getting any suggestion from his brother, she gazed back at Freddy. Giving it her best shot, y/n took a guess at what he was trying to say. “Three OR two?” she clarified.

Freddy nodded his head excitedly. He giggled as he grinned widely at y/n. It was evident Freddy was pleased she had understood him.

“I think you may have lost count honey,” y/n commented softly. “When was the last time you drank water?” she asked, squeezing his hand.

“Doesn’t taste aaaaasssss goood,” Freddy pouted. His pout was broken as he let out a burp. Only for that burp to be accompanied by others.

Ignoring Freddy’s belching for the moment, y/n asked the bartender for a glass of water. She quickly thanked the worker before smiling at her boyfriend. “Hmm, can you drink some water for me?” y/n asked sweetly, pushing the glass closer to him.

“For yooou?” Freddy hiccuped. When he saw y/n nod, he dizzily nodded back. Sucking on some more air after his latest hiccup, he whispered, “okaaayy”. Freddy quickly took hold of the glass and started to chug it.

Y/n had to close her eyes as she resisted the urge to laugh. She was pleased Freddy complied with her request, but since he’d drank his water way too fast, he went back to burping loudly. Y/n squeezed his hand that was resting on the bar counter, “slowly, darling”.

“Naaah uuh,” Freddy argued, shaking his head. His movements caused the glass to slip from his lips, making water drip down his bottom lip towards his chin.

Y/n leaned closer and used her free hand to wipe the water from Freddy’s face. “Why not?” she questioned, lowering her hand.

Freddy’s unsteady hand swayed the glass of water side to side as he answered, “I wanna kiiiiss”.

Y/n and Tom laughed. She smiled and nodded, “hmmm, you can have a kiss if you drink some more water”. As she saw Freddy raise the glass back to his lips in a ridiculously fast pace, y/n added, “slowly!” She visibly winced as the glass smacked against his chin.

Freddy huffed but nodded. He complied with her instructions, sipping on the water in a much slower manner. Yet, he refused to set the glass down at all until he was finished. Once Freddy’s glass was empty, he grinned widely at y/n.

Y/n chuckled lightly, leaning closer to Freddy. When she was close enough, Freddy’s wet lips eagerly made contact with hers. Y/n smiled into his needy kiss, softly kissing him back before pulling away. “I’m going to go tell y/f/n and y/of/n that we’re going to head out, I’ll be back,” y/n explained, looking at Tom to make sure he could repeat it to Freddy if needed.

Y/n smiled at Freddy as she returned to the bar counter. She grabbed his hand in hers and squeezed it lovingly. “Y/f/n and y/of/n are going to finish their drinks and then we’ll head out,” y/n informed Tom and Freddy.

“Am I driving or you?” Tom asked y/n.

Y/n hummed and looked over at her boyfriend to check on his state. “I’ll drive, that way we don’t need to arrange getting his car back from you tomorrow,” she said, nodding her head towards Freddy. Y/n added, “just make sure he doesn’t puke in the back, hmm?”

Tom laughed and nodded, “I’ll tell you to pull over, or maybe just open the door and shove him”.

Y/n rolled her eyes playfully and shook her head, “no scuffing up my boyfriend”.

Tom hummed and pretended to debate the notion. However, he suddenly stopped and stared questioningly at his younger brother; making y/n also turn to face Freddy.

“What’s wrong?” Y/n asked softly, having seen the deep pout that was now on Freddy’s face.

"Hooold my haaandd?" Freddy requested, giving her glossy puppy dog eyes.

Y/n giggled and bit her lip. “Freddy, I already am sweetheart,” she explained. Y/n lifted their intertwined hands up to show him when he seemed to doubt her. She couldn’t help but giggle some more when Freddy sighed in relief and smiled contentedly at her.

Y/n noticed the way Freddy’s eyes slowly started to close more and more as they waited. She watched him silently for a few minutes. Y/n made note of how Freddy would only ‘wake up’ to burp or hiccup before his eyes narrowed sleepily again. As adorable and funny as it was, she knew her man needed sleep.

“I’ll be back,” y/n said quietly. “I don’t know what’s taking them so long,” she explained, kissing Freddy’s flushed cheek. “I’ll go check,” y/n alerted Tom, motioning with her eyes for him to watch Freddy for her in the interim.

Y/n had only made it a few steps away from the men when she heard Freddy whine loudly. She quickly spun around but couldn’t see what had caused his outburst. “Love, what’s happening?” Y/n wondered.

Freddy tried to stand, his legs unsteady as he stepped closer to her. Fortunately for him, Tom saw the worried look in y/n’s eyes and stopped him from trying to continue his approach. Having been restricted in movement by his brother, Freddy resorted to pouting again. “Yooou’rrre too far awayyyy,” he hiccuped.

Tom laughed loudly, “you're seriously like a man-child."

Y/n shook her head, “Tom-“.

Tom held up one hand, “I know, I know”. He laughed and more forcefully guided Freddy back to his barstool. “She’ll be back soon mate,” Tom said trying to make his tone sympathetic enough to appease y/n. He glanced over his shoulder at y/n and waved her on, “I’ve got him”.

However, Freddy once again stood up as he realized y/n was leaving his side. His legs shook and Tom’s grip on him was the only thing truly keeping him from stumbling.

Y/n sighed softly, “Freddy”. She walked closer, looping her arm under his armpits for more support. “You should probably sit down,” y/n advised. “I’ll be right back okay?”

Freddy shook his head, “but- but…, first…“.

“Mhmm?” Y/n responded, helping him back into the stool at the bar.

“Can … caaan I steallll your heaaart?” Freddy flirted drunkenly. His hand sliding down y/n’s bicep towards her wrist.

Y/n stifled a laugh and shook her head. “No, I’m afraid not,” she teased, brushing Freddy’s messy hair away from his eyes.

Freddy immediately frowned, his bottom lip starting to tremble slightly. His eyes began to water as he looked up at y/n. “Whyyy?” he complained.

Y/n let out a remorseful puff of breath. She cupped Freddy’s face in her hands and smiled lovingly at him. “You already have it,” y/n reminded him delicately.

“Ohhhh,” Freddy gasped. He smiled crookedly, his eyes thin as he tried to say something else. Whatever Freddy had been planning on saying was cut off as he hiccuped again. Seemingly having caught on to his difficulty speaking, he opted to pull y/n in for a hug.

Y/n smiled to herself as she wrapped her arms around Freddy. She leaned back slightly to place a tender kiss to his forehead. As she pulled back from the hug, she noticed Freddy was wearing a ridiculously large grin. “What are you smiling about?" Y/n hummed.

Freddy’s rosey cheeks flushed deeper as he nibbled on his bottom lip. “Yooou’re sooo preetty,” He slurred before he failed to fight off another hiccup.

Y/n giggled, “thank you Freddy”. She squeezed his cheeks softly. But as y/n went to find their friends, she heard Freddy whisper “kissss me?” She smirked and nodded, complying by giving him a small kiss.

"Your… lips taaaaste liiike… dreams” Freddy flirted, giving y/n a lazy wink.

"That doesn't even make sense,” y/n laughed, shaking her head.

Freddy scoffed, “doesss too”.

Y/n hummed, “okay, sure”. She brushed some off Freddy’s hair to the side and placed another light kiss to his forehead. “Stay with Tom, I’ll be back,” y/n requested.

Freddy’s brows scrunched, “yooou are leaving meee?”

Y/n fought off the urge to giggle. “Only momentary. I have to. But I’ll be back” she promised. Upon having seen Freddy’s reluctance y/n signed. “I'm going to take care of you, okay? I just have to stay away for a moment” y/n told him, “then I’m yours for the rest of the night, kay?”

Freddy grinned and nodded, his eyes closing some as he started relaxing again.

“Nooo y/n isss,” Freddy slurred, glaring weakly at the stranger across from him.

Y/n rose her eyebrows as she approached. “What’s going on?” She asked Tom, glancing at Freddy and the guy he was talking to. “Why does Freddy look mad?” Y/n questioned, watching the stranger closely.

Tom shook his head, “one second”. “Mate, let it go,” he directed towards Freddy. Tom sighed as Freddy shook his head.

“Seeee,” Freddy argued, pointing a wavering finger at y/n. “Beauuuutiful,” he commented, squinting his eyes at the stranger.

“Mate for real, if you insult my girl one more time,” the stranger hissed in warning.

Y/n eyed Tom for an explanation as to what she’d walked up on.

“She,” Tom said, nodding his head towards the random girl beside the stranger. “Told Freddy she liked his hair and, he took it as her flirting,” he explained. As he shook his head in exasperation, Tom continued, “now, he’s on a rant about how much better you are than her”.

Y/n was pleased Tom whispered the update to her, not wanting to further ignite the tension. She walked closer to Freddy and placed her hand on his shoulder, sending the stranger an apologetic smile. “Darling, let’s just go home,” y/n suggested.

Freddy merely shook his head, his eyes still tensely squinting. “Nooo. Heeee’s wrrroonng,” he argued.

Y/n sighed, “Freddy-“.

“Yoou, loove,” Freddy rambled, turning to look at her. “Sooo preetieer,” he complimented causally. “Niiiicccer,” Freddy continued, his ‘c’ dragging out until it formed a hissing sound. He looked back over at the stranger and the girl beside him. Freddy shook his head, “nooot herrrr”.

Y/n frantically lowered Freddy’s hand as he pointed at the random girl. She took a deep breath as Tom moved between the stranger and Freddy. Y/n tugged on Freddy’s hand, “let’s go, Freddy”. “Now,” she pleaded, seeing his reluctance.

Freddy huffed dramatically. “Looove,” he sighed.

“Yoooou arree beeeette-“ Freddy adamantly continued.

Y/n placed her hand over Freddy’s mouth to stop his babbling. She could tell the stranger was getting fed up with Freddy’s behavior. “Baby, can you please shut the fuck up,” y/n pleaded, leading Freddy’s drunk body away from the others so he couldn’t keep instigating an unnecessary fight.

When Tom joined y/n and Freddy outside, y/n lowered her hand from Freddy’s face and turned to Tom. “Never mind what I said earlier,” she began. “You drive, I need to be in the back with him,” y/n declared, “if you drive, you can crash with us tonight, or we can get the car back tomorrow once he’s sober”. She glanced over at Freddy who was clinging to her body and smiling carelessly up at her. “That way I can keep an eye on this one,” y/n hummed.

Y/n tried to get Freddy to get off his phone for the duration of the car ride. Tom was driving and had just gotten done dropping off y/f/n and y/of/n. She knew that meant they only had another fifteen minutes to go until Tom arrived at her and Freddy’s home. In other words, y/n had to keep Freddy from throwing up or doing anything stupid or reckless for at least fifteen minutes before she could put him to bed.

Y/n wasn’t successful in getting Freddy to put his phone down. Nor did she know what it was he was doing since he was childishly hiding his screen from her. But, y/n was just glad he wasn’t typing and therefore it wasn’t likely he was drunk texting anyone. She rested her head on the window as she watched Freddy closely, making sure he wasn’t making himself sick by reading in the back seat while drunk.

Freddy suddenly glanced up at y/n, a crooked smirk forming. “Are yooou,” he hiccuped before pausing to look down at his phone again. “Maade ooout ooof,” Freddy slurred, flickering his eyes up to y/n briefly before back to his phone. “Graapes?” he asked.

Y/n raised her eyebrow at him questioningly. “What?” she asked, sitting up straight. Y/n knew Freddy had been long gone for awhile, but she was truly lost on this conversation. Normally she could piece together whatever drunken thoughts Freddy cared to share, but this one stumped her.

Freddy stared at his phone, his eyes lazily rereading the next line several times. He grinned up at y/n, “‘cause yooou are fiiiinne aaas wiiiiinnne”. Based on the deep dimples on his cheeks, Freddy was pretty proud of himself.

Y/n laughed and shook her head, “Freddy, wha-?” She reached over and took his phone, her eyes scanning the page he had pulled up. Y/n giggled more and locked the device before giving it back to him. “You don’t need to research pickup lines Freddy,” she assured him, playing with the wavy hairs covering his forehead.

Tom laughed loudly from the front seat as he mumbled something incoherent.

“Ohh,” Freddy hummed, “kaay”. He scooted across the seat, moving closer to y/n. “Onlllly yooou,” Freddy mumbled, pointing to y/n’s hand that was in his hair.

Y/n smirked and nodded. “Yeah darling, I’m the only one who gets to play with your hair,” she agreed, her fingers stroking his slightly clammy forehead underneath said hair. “You’re mine and I don’t share, but clearly I don’t need to worry,” y/n teased lovingly, pulling him closer. She smiled to herself as Freddy cuddled into her embrace with tired eyes.

Y/n propped their front door open with her foot as she guided Freddy inside. “I think it's time for bed,” she suggested warmly as she slid her foot past the threshold, letting the door close behind her. Y/n gave Freddy’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze as he leaned against her tiredly.

Y/n pressed a soft kiss to Freddy’s cheek as she walked him to their bathroom. “Sit here,” she encouraged, stroking his cheek as she sat him on the closed toilet seat lid. Y/n quickly dashed to their bedroom to grab some clothing for him to sleep in, not wanting to risk leaving him alone for too long. She’d noticed how unsteady his body was and didn’t want him to topple onto the floor in her absence.

It was hard for y/n to resist a chuckle as she returned to find Freddy trying to sleep while seated. “Hmmm,” she cooed, “almost, handsome, just need to change, okay?”. Y/n didn’t care if he slept in the shirt he had on tonight, but she suspected his jeans would be uncomfortable to sleep in. She helped him stand up, letting Freddy use her body for support as he clumsily tried to change his clothes.

When y/n had gotten her boyfriend into more comfortable, and non-pub-scented, clothing, she cautiously led him to their bed. During her attempts to help Freddy change, she realized he was burping a lot more. There were still a few hiccups, but y/n was concerned by how often he was burping and whether it would cause him to vomit tonight. So she walked very slowly to guide him to the bed, hoping to not upset his stomach anymore than it already had been tonight.

After settling Freddy under the covers, y/n brushed his messy hair from his eyes and gave him a kiss. “Im going to change,” y/n whispered as to not cause him to get up when she stepped away from their bed. However, she’d barely made it to the dresser when she heard Freddy slip out of the bed.

Y/n spun around, watching as Freddy dashed back to the bathroom. He’d turned the fan on, so she had a hard time hearing what was going on in there. But, y/n could make out that he was still belching and hiccuping with only minimal pauses between. Just as she went to knock on the door, she heard the sink running and decided to wait.

When Freddy exited the bathroom with a clammy forehead, even more tired eyes, and a frown, y/n sighed. “Oh honey,” she frowned, checking his forehead with the back of her hand. Y/n let out a breath of relief since Freddy at least wasn’t feverish. “Did you throw up in there?” she questioned concerned.

“Nooo,” Freddy said with another hiccup. Even in his drunken state he could see the doubt in y/n’s gaze. But, Freddy was too out of it, his mind far too busy and buzzing, to explain himself. Instead, he leaned against his loving girlfriend and let her guide him back to bed.

Y/n turned from their bed after having covered Freddy up with the comforter again. “I’ll be right back,” she whispered, this time walking into their bathroom. Y/n quickly looked around, checking to see if he had in-fact thrown up after all.

However, y/n noticed Freddy must’ve just emptied his bladder instead. She sighed in relief that the night was nearly over and he’d so far been able to keep all the liquor down. Y/n flushed the toilet and lowered the lid for Freddy, washing her hands before exiting the bathroom.

Y/n’s eyes softened as she grinned at Freddy’s sleepy face. She watched silently for a few seconds as his eyelashes slowly flittered against his high cheekbones. Despite Freddy’s sharp features, whenever he was resting y/n thought he always seemed so soft and precious. Y/n shook her head to herself as she tried to will herself to temporarily look away so she could finish her last task of the night.

Y/n paused, turning her head to look over her shoulder at the sound of Freddy’s feet pattering across their wooden flooring. “What’re you doing out of bed?” she tsked warmly, smiling at his blanket cladded sleepy form. Y/n had been trying to make some breakfast for him tomorrow, something that should help with the anticipated nausea and hangover y/n knew he’d have in the morning. She also didn’t want the sounds from cooking said breakfast to make his impending headache worse tomorrow. But, y/n feared she must’ve woken him instead by doing it tonight.

Freddy pouted, his face barely peeking through the comforter he’d dragged with him. “Miiissssed yooou,” he whined.

Y/n smiled and stifled a giggle. “I��m coming,” she nodded, putting the meal in the refrigerator. Y/n shut the door and walked over to her drowsy boyfriend. She cupped his cheeks, “let’s go get you back to bed”.

“Misssss,” Freddy hiccuped. “Yoooou,” he added, another hiccup following his whine. Freddy tilted his head to the side as he watched y/n step towards the counter, his pout returning.

Y/n didn’t have to be looking at him to know he was pouting again. She smiled to herself and shook her head lightly. “I’m just getting meds for you for the morning and tonight,” y/n explained, grabbing the cup now filled with water that she’d gotten down and filled earlier. She then pulled over a bottle of medicine from the kitchen counter.

“Yooooou’re my med-medicciinne,” Freddy said, the last word coming out very jumbled and slurred. But his blushing cheeks certainly cleared up any doubt one might’ve had over what he was saying.

“Freddy, take the meds,” y/n chuckled, passing him a few pills and the water.

Freddy shook his head, the blanket slightly restricting his movements. “Nuuuh uh,” he argued childishly.

Y/n sighed and frowned. “Let me take care of you,” she requested, intentionally holding eye contact with Freddy. “Now, take the meds,” y/n repeated kindly, pushing her hands closer to him.

Freddy stared silently into y/n’s gaze for a moment before nodding slowly. “Kaaay,” he hiccuped, grabbing the items from y/n. Freddy dutifully swallowed the pills and slid the glass down to counter towards her.

Y/n thanked Freddy and then rested her hand on the blanket covering his shoulders as she encouraged him to walk back to their bedroom. She saw Freddy had turned on the bedside lamp so she quickly turned off the ceiling light as she followed him in.

Freddy hummed contentedly as y/n helped him back into bed. His tired and lazy eyes watched as she lovingly made sure he was comfortable and that the blanket covered him completely. “Yoooou loooovve meee, rrrighht?” he asked, closing his eyes.

Y/n giggled, “of course I do”. She stroked the side of Freddy’s face with her fingertips, “always”.

Freddy silently smiled to himself, melting into the blankets. Just as he seemed to begin calming down for the night, he mumbled, “waaaait, whaa?”.

As she shook her head softly at Freddy, y/n smiled. “Angel, you asked if I loved you,” she reminded him with a small laugh. “I was saying I do love -“ y/n began to explain.

Only, suddenly Freddy was alert and no longer almost asleep. “Whoooo dooo yooou lllove?” He asked as he sloppily tried to sit up. Freddy’s lips curled downwards due to his jealous state. He tried to huff loudly but it came out as a burp.

Y/n bit into her bottom lip as she laughed. “You, Freddy,” she answered, delicately laying him back down. After tucking Freddy in for the millionth time tonight, y/n cupped his face and kissed his nose, “you are the one I love”.

This seemed to truly settle Freddy as he smiled, suddenly appearing sleepy again now that he realized he didn’t have to be jealous. “Doooon’t leaaaave,” he whined, holding y/n’s hand.

Y/n nodding in reassurance. She cautiously helped Freddy slide back so she could get into the bed from the same side. Once she’d crawled into bed beside Freddy, y/n silently began playing with his hair.

Freddy lazily smiled, his eyes getting heavier as he felt himself drifting off to sleep.

“You’re purring,” y/n commented with an amused hum.

Freddy’s cheeks blushed as he let his eyes close, sleep quickly taking over him.

Freddy Carter Navigation

Kaz Brekker Navigation

Grishaverse Navigation

My Main Masterlist (All My Works) Navigation

Request info (& status) here

Tag list: @ell0ra-br3kk3r @b3kk3r-by-br3kk3r @nikfigueiredo @missdreamofendless @alex-kazbrekkersimp

[ladyelissarose]

‘A Mother’s Revenge’

Chapter 11 - ‘Ghosts’

Warmings; nothing too serious… call of duty stuff yk.. enjoy :)

Alejandro’s POV

After Price had saved us, he took us back to my other hideout, where I had the rest of my team and soldiers working around that needed shelter and backup. I still couldn’t believe we were saved, I had doubts on how we were going to get out, but I’m glad that we’re now safe and landing on my land.

‘Home sweet home… now we’re on to the next-‘

“We’re here boys, let’s head down- Colonel?”

Price had turned to me ushering me to lead the way, so I did confidently,

“Alright hermanos, Meli… let’s go inside… follow me.”

Attentively they did, though I saw how Ghost eyed every corner and place his eyes could reach, he was the ever so vigilant and untrusting of every place.

‘Que fatasma.. quite the character Ghost.’

Couldn’t blame him though, he’s had it tough with everyone, always being betrayed and falling into the cracks of everyone’s mistakes and taking the hit for it. I now understood how he felt, after Graves pulled his stunt with us.

It still angered me, the problems he had caused and how we are set back a bit from schedule and plans. As I approached the door I prepared myself mentally to here the plan Price and I had made, I hoped a lot of them men agreed to this, and cooperated.

Though most of us were sick of the traps and needed a trusting team to get the good done without any betrayers and mishaps. Time was running thin and Hassan had it in his wicked hands for now, meaning we needed to take it back before he set the clock off. With a grunt I pushed the heavy wooden doors opened, I didn’t waste another second before I growled to my men after a whistle, calling for their attention,

“Hey Vaqueros!! Ponen atención!!”

This shit was about to get real.

‘Y me cansé de la mierda... hagámoslo bien.’

Let’s do this right or go to hell..

Ghost’s POV

Price began to speak loud and clear what our plans were, which was taking back our HQ and killing Graves, I felt it was the right thing to do… he screwed us all up and our plan anyways. He had commented to me what was up next for us to move on, and I was damn ready to proceed.

I didn’t feel exhausted or angry, needing to rest and take a day- no no… I felt hungry for revenge and was ready to take what was ours. Speaking of revenge, it reminded me of Meli, who stood right next to my hip at the sight of all these men around us, she looked hesitant but her chin was held up high after I told her to not look down.

Back in the heli I had asked her about what she thought about getting Graves then Hassan, I was nervous that’s she might not want that as she had been targeting Hassan mostly. But thankfully she confirmed that taking Graves down was her main interest as of now… sense he hurt her and us. It made me warm at the thought of her caring for us, when at first we were the last interest on her mind.

‘How people change huh?’

My attention was then averted to Price when he added,

“We are not 141 and Los Vaqueros on this… we’re a team-“

I then grabbed the bag I had handed to Meli to hold and I dispensed what I had in it onto the table as Price ended with,

“Ghost team.”

I took a deep breath as I was ready for the next… I have been preparing my entire life for this moment… taking off my mask. It exposes everything of me, but it’s who I am, and the people that truly protect and save me, should know the face of who it is they’re saving every time. I sucked in a breath as I got the bottom of my balaclava and slid it off completely, revealing me.

‘Here goes nothing..’

Meli’s POV

‘What’s he- oh my god...’

Who would’ve ever thought that the cold killer behind a Grim Reaper mask was actually the whitest and most beautiful jewel ever? He was definitely a diamond in the rough, scars and all.. edges that could cut deep and yet… he shined so bright.

A purple bruise decorated his left eye, but it didn’t hold me back from admiring his hazel eyes, behind his blondish lashes.. it didn’t take much for me to admit.. that Simon Riley was a beautiful man.

But my heart ached at the dry bloody nose he had and the other bruises that rested along his sharp jawline. And it broke me even more to know I did that to him, when we fought back in Las Almas. I didn’t deserve to see him, after sorta betraying and hurting him… Simon deserved much more and better than me for sure.

I know he’s lived a tough life, the scars and his harsh ways speak it clearly. My eyes no longer looked at him as I averted my gaze to the floor, not wanting to see the damage I caused him as he had tried to save me.

‘I’m sorry for making your already hurt face more hurt… I didn’t mean to-‘

“It’s alright Meli… we’re a team now.”

A soft gasp escaped my lips as I felt a warm shock, Simon’s uncovered hand had enveloped mine tightly, while he spoke those words to me lowly. He tugged on my hand and I took a quick glance at him, but his small, genuine smile of assurance had me locking my sight on him, as he added,

“Ghost team.”

I felt confident to squeeze his hand back as Price spoke out to him,

“Good to see you again Simon.”

Simon let his eyes rest on Price for a moment as he nodded slowly, he seemed to be very pleased with himself as well as his gaze had softened. I turned to look at all the masks that laid out before us, and before I could assume what they were for, Price informed,

“If you’re in, take a mask.. if you’re not- don’t.”

‘Fuck yeah I’m in.’

I didn’t waste another second before reaching for one, I was in 100%.

‘This is what I came for..’

Soap’s POV

‘Guess the Brit is pretty after all.’

A smirk made it onto my lips as I gazed at Simon for the short while he had his face uncovered. He was quite the sight to behold, I never doubted it, but I couldn’t picture it right… but now I can. I felt brave and noble as I pulled a mask towards me to slip it on. Pride swarmed in me at the thought that these were Simon Riley’s masks… Ghost’s masks.

‘Mmmm… now I’m a Ghost.’

Once I had slipped it on, I instinctively looked at Ghost for approval, at first his eyes were on Meli as she fit hers on, he stared at her intently as she fixed her hair to be inside it, he even extended a hand to help her fix it right at her eyes when he saw she wasn’t getting it right on the spot.

It made me giggle to see this killer be so gentle with a woman, especially Meli when he wasn’t so fond of her at first.

‘How people change huh Simon? Now when is it my turn?’

I guess he felt me starin’ at him and perhaps hearing my jealous thoughts of wanting his attention. He suddenly turned to me, giving a wink my way and nodding.

Approval. I’ve never felt more better than now, my dude points were back at a high level now, getting shot back there was long forgotten as I wore the mask of a legend.. and had a new team name.. Ghost Team.

Now we all awaited in place, for Ale to give us our next orders as he went on to say,

“We will lie in wait till we hear news on where he might possibly be. It won’t take longer than a few hours hermanos, I know we want to take him down as fast as possible. But for now, take shelter and rest here, you’re going to need it.”

Price agreed as he lastly said,

“Please boys, get what you need, rest or hydrate- check your amo and wounds.”

We all replied in sync and began to go our separate ways. I knew I wanted a good shower and a clean tending to my arm, so I quickly went to Ghost as I put forth,

“I’ll be at showers mate, let me know if they get a trace and are ready to head out.”

Simon patted my shoulder,

“I will Johnny, go on… mask fits ya Scot.”

He pointed to my face with bright eyes and I was grateful my blushed face was covered, I could only muster out,

“Thanks LT..”

He sent me a last nod and I pat Meli’s cheek before walking off. I was hoping to get a good refreshment in and rest… cause Ale was right.. we were going to need it.

Meli’s POV

I knew I needed a shower, but I wanted to rest my head for a bit.. I was feeling emotional for some reason all of a sudden.

The back of my eyes burned and my lungs felt like they were trembling with every breath I took. A heavy weight rested on my shoulders and a cold shudder came onto me, spreading all over and making me feel sick. My mind tried to fight what I felt,

‘Just take a deep breath… you’re ok. You’re safe and getting closer to the end of it.. it’s ok… just breathe..’

I don’t know how long I had been standing still after I said goodbye to Soap when I felt Ghost tug on my arm and ask,

“Hey? You alright Meli?”

I shook a bit and blinked twice before replying to the floor, as I refused to look at him, knowing that if I did, I’d cry.

“y-yeah… I’m fine-“

“Melione. Look at me.”

He tried to reach for my chin but I pulled away, the air constricting in my throat as the dam of emotions in me was starting to break in me. I felt emotional about everything but couldn’t pin point it specifically, and I didn’t want to break in front of him.

So I darted to the doors without saying another word, I could hear him calling out after me, but it was silenced once I was outside the doors. My sudden anguish suffocated me and I was desperate for air,

‘I want to cry so bad… scream and fight.. just lose it… I want to be held.’

Ghost’s POV

“Meli!! Melione!? Wait-“

‘What happened?!?’

Had it been any other time in my past, or any other person… I would’ve let them run away.. let them deal with their emotions on their own, like I always did. But with Meli? I couldn’t… I wanted to be by her side, through good and all, and I refused to let her sit in her own pain. And I was a strong man, I could take whatever she wanted to give. So out the door I went, regardless of who she was on the other side of it, broken or whole, angry or happy… I didn’t care anymore.

‘I’m coming Meli..’

I pushed the doors wide and walked out, feeling the soft rain of the evening hit my mask and it’s fresh scent embrace me fully. I had missed days like these, they were sometimes the only good thing in my life at the time, as this weather was my favorite. My eyes darted everywhere, as I searched- but it didn’t take long to see the figure ahead of me, looking so small as they embraced themselves. My heart clenched as I could see their shoulders shake a bit, I knew they were crying… I knew Melione was crying.

‘Aw Meli… I know. But.. what do I say? Are you ok- no… do you need something- no noo… fuck. I’ve never done this before. But I want to.. for her. I’ll just-‘

She was quite a good 6 feet away from me, getting slowly soaked in the rain, I took a deep breath and called out to her loudly, but trying to hold a nice tone to it, to not scare her.

“Melione?”

I clearly heard her let out a low sob of words,

“S-Simon?”

I sighed in relief of who knows what- maybe that she answered back? I called out again, as I didn’t know what to say again,

“Melione-“

“I’m so sad.. I-I don’t know wh-why. I-I was just fine in the heli but n-now?”

‘Because it’s been a lot Meli… this is all new and traumatizing for you… you let your anger out already.. now it’s the sadness of it all Meli…’

I could’ve said those words to her, but it would’ve been gibberish instead, because I’ve never spoken my heart out. So instead, I extended my arms out? That’s how a big works right?

‘Why do I feel so scared? Just.. go on with it.’

“I know Meli… c’mere.”

It took a few silence seconds before her head turned to the side, then her body followed until she was facing me, still hugging her body tightly. Her mask was in her hand and her hair covered her face, sticking to it cause of the rain, but I could make out her red eyes and pink cheeks.

I extended my hands further to her, closing and opening my hands, signaling her to come closer. Her face scrunched up a bit as she let out a soft sob and wiped her eyes, she was tired.. of everything. I waited patiently, not wanting to move until she gave the go for me or moved herself, and I knew I’d wait all night for her, in the rain, dark and all.

Slowly, she lifted on foot and stepped forward, that was enough for me to praise and entice her,

“Good.. come on… I got you.”

Her foot stayed in place, and she turned her head to the side, like shying away, her arms curled tighter around her waist as if she was in pain. And I knew she was, when I’d be desperate for release of all my feelings, I’d get pain in my gut and stomach, breathing was even painful. But in an instant, I could hear her boots slam on the wet pavement, before I could catch on, her face collided into my chest as she threw herself onto me.

Her hands were around my waist as her faced buried closely to me, she let out a deep breath before beginning to cry softly. My arms secured her on me, and I stroked her back slowly. It was as if she was a little kid, a little girl, who was at her wits end crying and wasted. Her body felt limp against mine, she was giving up her strength as she broke apart. She was like a broken vase, holding all the water together but finally chipping apart and letting it out.

I knew she was very exhausted in every aspect, I could feel it when her knees finally buckled under her weight of all of this sense the beginning.

But she never met the ground again when I picked her up from it, she didn’t have to cry alone anymore. Her arms wrapped around my neck as she buried her face into my neck and then let out full sobs. Her feet were off the ground, as she was obviously shorter than me, and I used my strength to hold her up and closer to me, giving her the embrace she needed.

I leaned my head onto hers as I whispered,

“It’ll be ok Melione… let it go.”

Her sobs sounded so deep and broken, but like if she was releasing something as well, finally letting go. My hand snaked onto her hip as I held it tightly, and my other hand caressed her head softly, her legs soon wrapped around me, tightening her hold as well. The rain happened to start falling harder, the heavens were crying with her, but I refused for her to get sick and her stitches to get soaked, so I carefully began to walk back to base, but she grabbed onto the back of my neck and pleaded against my neck,

“Don’t let me go Simon… please.”

I shook my head as I promised,

“I won’t dove.. it’s ok.”

I was being honest.. I never letting her go.

Meli’s POV

We walked- Simon walked us into what looked like a separate bedroom, given to him sense he was of a higher ranking. It gave me the peace to cry on until I ran out of everything.

I felt more exhausted after crying for at least two hours, and Simon never let me go the entire time, I knew he had cried at some point, his tears had ran down my temple where he laid his face. We comforted each other in the silence, reliving ourselves from what had been eating at us this whole time.

But now as we had calmed down and sat next to each other, we felt sleepy and hungry. Simon suggested I’d shower while he went to find something, so he helped me cover my stitches so I could shower, and once I was out he kindly asked me to drink a warm tea and eat what he had found for us.

After eating the little empanadas and sipping the tea he had made (which was delicious as ever) I dried my hair and got my things, ready to walk out so he could sleep for a bit, he had just gotten out of the shower. He looked more relaxed in just a black Henley and black cargo pants as he walked out, slipping his mask on. I took the chance to ask him right away,

“Umm.. Where’s my bag Simon?”

Simon was quick to let his eyes set under his bed, letting me know it was there as he questioned,

“Why Meli?”

I didn’t know how to tell him but honesty was the best answer, so I replied,

“So… so I can go to the barracks… let you sleep?”

He grunted lowly and pointed to his bed,

“It’s comfier here dove, there’s too many other men we don’t know, and you’re the only woman around.”

Was he suggesting I stay with him? I mean it made sense and it honestly would make me feel more safe, as I know Soap, Rudy and Gaz were sharing barrack rooms, and Ale had his own as well as Price.. so meaning I would technically be on my own.

I then looked at his bed, seeing it was a good size and had the most soft looking blanket on it made me even more sleepy. A rough hand then gently grabbed my own and led me to the bed, as Simon softly ushered,

“Get in Meli.. go on.”

Without thoughts I let my exhaustion lead me and place me under the soft blanket, I cuddled into it and sighed with content. My eyes then landed on Simon who tried to get comfortable on the little sofa next to me, I felt a little bad as I watched how he tried to fit his abnormally large body onto the little sofa. I still can’t believe how big he was, it was crazy yet good on his part- well sometimes.

‘Oh Simon.. you barely fit!’

“Simon… we can trade-“

He groaned as he stretched his back onto the cushions, his large size on the tiny sofa made him look larger, like a giant teddy bear. But he let his words come out like honey as he sighed,

“No Meli… sleep.”

“But-“

“Sleep Meli.. you need it dove..”

I then bit back the offer to switch as I knew he wouldn’t change his mind, so I proposed,

“We can share the bed… we fit.”

His face faced the ceiling with closed eyes, but he slowly lifted his hand and with a pointer finger he signaled to me ‘no’ along with some words,

“No Meli… you need plenty of room for good sleep, you’re shot up and stabbed, you need space. But thank you.”

I nodded though he couldn’t see, but I responded,

“You’re welcome… you’re still welcome on here anyway if you change your mind.. the blanket is soft and the bed is comfy.”

‘You need good sleep too Simon, regardless of what it is.’

Ghost’s POV

‘Ahhh Meli. I’d kill to say yes.. but I need to respect you…’

God only knows how bad I want to be on that bed, it looked comfortable and the the blanket … it appeared so soft and heavy. I liked sleeping with that combination, something soft and heavy on me… but I wanted to give Meli her space, tho she insisted kindly. Anyways, I told her again,

“I’ll think on it. Now sleep.”

“ok… night Simon.”

She sounded defeated. So I had to reassure her I wasn’t rejecting her, and myself that I wasn’t, her voice let me know she thought so, so I lastly bid more kindly as possible,

“Goodnight Meli.. sleep well.”

I could imagine her smile of comfort as she replied differently, happily almost,

“Goodnight Simon.. sleep well too.”

[misslisamiray]

Time for Chapter 8 of Down With the Rickness!

Morty has, at least for the time being, finally convinced Rick to give up on tying to get rid of his cold through highly dangerous scientific experiments. Now it's time for our favorite dysfunctional duo to take it easy and relax watching Interdimensional Cable.

What, you think I'm lying and that's not what's going to happen? That I'm adding another issue to make poor Rick's day even worse? Well, maybe. Why not read what's below the cut and find out for yourself?

A few moments later, they were back in the living room. More worn out than he cared to admit from the struggle in the garage, Rick immediately collapsed onto the couch, dropping the trash can that he’d once again brought with him onto the floor.

“You just relax and get comfortable, and I’ll find us something to watch on good ol’ Interdimensional Cable. We’re gonna, gonna have a real easy day the rest of the day. You’ll see.” Morty said cheerfully, grabbing the remote. Rick mumbled something unintelligible in response. Whether he was agreeing, arguing, or trying to suppress another coughing fit, Morty wasn’t sure.

“I know it sucks that you’re sick. But try to look on the bright side. It gives us a perfect excuse to just, kinda hang out together but not really have to do anything. It’s been a while. Rick and Morty, taking the day off, y’know?”

“Uh-huh. Just hurry up and find something. *Cough!*” Rick grumbled, stretching out more and shoving a throw pillow under his head. Morty turned on the TV to find loud, black & white static. No big deal. Next station. This one had wavy lines in varying shades of gray instead. Morty flipped the channel again, this time finding pink static with almost no sound.

“Huh. Well, I mean… infinite channels from infinite realities. At any given time, some are bound to be having technical difficulties, right? Kinda weird it’s three in a row. Haven’t seen that happen before. But I’m sure it’s fine!” Morty muttered, trying to ignore the bad feeling he had about this. Rick eyed the set suspiciously. Morty continued to flip through channels, only to find something wrong with each one. Some had static, others wavy lines, and a handful were badly pixelated. Most had either no sound or static noise, but some garbled words came through on a few.

“Coming soon: the sequel no one asked for, but everyone is getting!” Click. Silent black and white static. Click. Wavy green lines.

“Previously on our recap edition of the special edition of Soap Opera Summaries…” Click. Wavy pink lines. Click. A solid blue, silent screen. Click.

“New and improved, it’s Plumbus 2.0!” Click. Solid black screen with a faint hissing noise. Click. Red static accompanied by a horrible high-pitched noise. Morty flipped through the channels even faster, but still couldn’t find one coming in properly.

“Ummm…” he worried, shaking the remote in the vain hope that would do something.

“Yeah, yeah. I got it.” Rick said gruffly, dragging himself off the couch and over to the TV. He sat on the floor and grabbed the cable box. After studying it for a moment, he said, “Dammit, the quarantine forcefield interfered with the signal, just like I thought. Can I get one fucking break today?!”

“Oh. Can you fix it?” Morty asked timidly.

“Of course I can fix it, Morty. Hmmm. Besides the signal getting jammed, this crystal’s nearly worn out. So, I would’ve had to do this in like, a few more weeks max, anyway. *Cough!* Would’ve rather dealt with it then, but it’s whatever. At least this should be a quick fix.”

Rick tossed the worn-out crystal aside and pulled a similar, but not identical one from a pocket. It took a minute, since this crystal didn’t fit properly, but he managed to jam it into the cable box. Seeing that did nothing to improve the wavy picture on the TV screen, he scowled and tried to lift the top off the box.

Morty watched closely – there was something very off about Rick’s attempt to fix the cable box. Aside from the crystal not being right and him apparently not noticing that, he seemed unsure how to open the thing. Morty couldn’t understand why he wasn’t either smashing it against the floor like when he’d first installed the Interdimensional Cable or taking it apart with the array of tools built into his hands.

“Come on. Work already!” Rick muttered under his breath, shaking his right hand and trying to produce a screwdriver. Nothing happened. He punched the box with his left hand. Still no tools appeared, but at least he’d hit it hard enough to make the top of the cable box pop open.

“Rick, are your implants not working right because of your cold? Is this like, a thing that happens when you have a fever?” Morty asked hesitantly as he realized what was going on.

“Christ, is it that obvious?” Rick groaned, pausing his attempt to fix the cable box.  

“Kinda, yeah. But also just sort of a lucky guess. I mean, you’re the one who said your temperature sensor things weren’t working, and it looks like you’re having sort of a hard time over there. But it wouldn’t be… as obvious to someone who didn’t know you like I do, if that’s what you meant.” Morty said. That got a heavy, disgusted sigh from Rick, who was getting some tools out from his labcoat pockets.

“Rick, you know it’s not a big deal if you can’t fix the cable today, right?”

“I can fix it, and I’m gonna! *Cough!* *Cough!* Fucking hell, Morty. It’s not like I’m on my deathbed here. A few of my implants malfunctioning a little doesn’t mean I can’t function at all, you know!” Rick snapped as he went back to tinkering with the cable box. He spent a few minutes tightening some screws and loosening others. This did nothing to improve the waves on the TV screen. Rick’s scowl deepened as he looked back and forth between the cable box and TV set.

“Hmmm. Maybe…this?” he asked himself, snipping a blue wire with a small pair of pliers. This produced a few sparks, but no improvements to the picture. Rick snipped a few more wires, one red and one yellow, then crossed the three of them together. This resulted in considerably more sparks, hotter than the first ones.

“Oww! Dammit, I thought that would work!” he complained, jumping back about a foot.

“Uh-huh. You okay? Or at least, not less okay than you already were?” Morty asked.

“Yeah. But that should have worked! Maybe if I just…”

“Rick, no. Whatever you’re gonna try, save it for when you’re thinking a little clearer, please. For now, you should stop before you electrocute yourself. More than you just did.”

“Even if the stupid forcefield messed up the signal, that should *SNIFF!* have been resolved once it was down. Changing the crystal didn’t do anything, either. Hmmm. I might need to check something on the *Cough!* roof.” Rick mused, completely ignoring Morty. He started to get up but stumbled and fell.

“Absolutely not. Rick, you can’t even stand up. You’re not going on the fucking roof! And, and if you try, well… I won’t take your blankets away again, but I will do my best to turn them into a strait jacket. Got it?” Morty said sternly. Rick rolled his eyes.

“I can too stand up, Morty. I just don’t want to right now. But fine, no roof. It’s not like I really wanna do that, either.” he grumbled in an attempt to save face. He haphazardly put the cable box back together, then threw the whole thing back into place. Suddenly, there was a picture on the screen.

“There was a 3 car accident this morning on the corner of First and Main. Be advised that this is causing traffic jams in all directions.” a bored sounding reporter droned, adding with slightly more enthusiasm, “And now here’s Janet with the weather.”

“Wasn’t this morning’s sunrise beautiful, folks? It was truly one for the record books. I hope you all enjoyed it, because we’re getting nothing but rain for the next 10 days. If you missed it, well, sucks to be you!” a pretty redhead announced. Her voice remained perky and energetic even when it was contradictory to what she was saying.

“Like I *Achoo!* needed you to tell me that.” Rick groused, searching in his pockets for something again.

“Let’s see what else is on.” Morty suggested as he changed the channel. The next station had an infomercial for tires. Ordinary tires, shown on a variety of ordinary cars. Not one spaceship or tire with retractable razor blades in sight. Next station – golf. Morty couldn’t help noticing that all the golfers looked human, and not one golf club was turning into a weapon or flying away. He flipped through a few more channels, all equally boring and surprisingly… terrestrial. Settling on a fishing show, Morty had a realization.

“Rick, you didn’t fix Interdimensional Cable, but it looks like you at least got the regular TV working again. That might have to be good enough for today.”

“Yeah, fine. Whatever. Works for me. Ugh. Morty, weren’t you supposed to get me more blankets if I agreed to leave the garage? I held up my end of the bargain, soooo…” Rick agreed. With some effort, he got up again and dragged himself back to the couch, settling into a corner. He finally found the handkerchief he’d been searching for and blew his nose again.

“Oh, right. You still can’t get warm, huh?” Morty asked, his concern growing again. He noticed Rick shiver a little as he adjusted the three blankets he currently had.

Equally annoyed by Morty’s question and the chills that wouldn’t go away, he answered, “Obviously not, no. So maybe do something about it instead of *Cough!* standing there? ‘Every blanket in the whole damn house’ is probably overkill, but don’t, don’t be stingy with them, either.” Rick could hear the whininess in his voice and hated it. He hoped Morty didn’t notice.

“I won’t. Just stay here, and I’ll be back in a few minutes. You need anything else, Rick?” Morty was, with good reason, clearly reluctant to leave the room.

“*SNIFF!* More tissues. I’d forgotten just how much extra mucus the human body makes when infected with a cold virus. Eww. This is gross. I mean, it’s kind of impressive. But still gross. You wanna see?” Rick replied. He stared at the contents of his used handkerchief with a mix of disgust and scientific curiosity.

“No thank you! Trust me, I’m good. Okay, blankets and tissues. Tissues and blankets. Got it. B-R-B.” Morty kept looking over his shoulder as he left the room. Rick studied the handkerchief for a few more seconds before deciding there was no saving it and tossing it into the trashcan. He leaned back and stared at the ceiling, half listening to the man on TV list facts about trout.

“When was the last time I got sick, anyway? Obviously not counting being hungover or poisoned. Sure, I’ve died a handful of times. Of the actual bones left in my body that I haven’t replaced with titanium, there’s maybe two that have never been broken at this point. No, wait. One. *COUGH!* But actually catching a virus from some random person? And a lameass, Earth-originating virus at that? The last time was definitely before I moved in with the family. Like, a lot before. Maybe after one of the times I pulled Morty out of kindergarten or first grade for a day?” Rick said to himself. He took a drink from his flask, grateful he’d remembered to refill it before starting on his recent failed experiment.

Putting it away and closing his eyes, he continued, “Elementary schools are basically dirty, oversized petri dishes. I remember that from when Beth was little. Shit, I remember it from when I was little. Some things don’t change, I guess. So yeah. Between kids being snot nosed germ factories, and my otherwise never being around other humans at the time, that checks out. *Cough!* *COUGH!* Happened more than once, now that I think about it. Might’ve been why I stopped doing that. Eh, it was still *YAWN!* worth it, though.” Despite how awful Rick felt, and most of what he was thinking about being unpleasant, a smile crossed his face, and he started to drift off. 

Just then, Jerry walked in, holding a tape up in the air and triumphantly yelling, "I found it! Now I just need to watch the episode 2, maybe 3 times to make sure I don't miss anything. Once I've done that, I'll be ready to cure Rick. And then we'll see whose plan is stupid, Morty!"

"Obviously yours is, Jerry." Rick groaned before starting to cough again.

"What? You're in here?! Shouldn't you be in bed, or back in the garage, or maybe some kind of quarantine bubble?" Jerry asked, jumping back a little and nearly dropping his supplies. Besides the tape, he was also carrying a notebook, pen and pencil. Getting no answer from Rick, he quickly reassured himself, " Easy, Jerry. There's nothing to worry about. You've got everything you need to solve our little crisis right here."

Smiling smugly, he continued, "So does this weird sickness you have work slower in humans? The way you made it sound, it transforms from one awful thing to another pretty quickly. But it's been hours now, and you still seem stuck on these cold symptoms."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Rick asked groggily, opening one eye slightly. After a few seconds, he remembered his cover story. "Oh, right. That. Yeah. Good *COUGH!* job, Jerry. You hit the nail on the head. How long Mimicking Disease makes you think you have any one illness varies, but it does typically progress slower in humans. In fact, it can be so slow, I m-might just be stuck like this the whole time I'm sick." Jerry side-eyed him, and just missed putting two and two together.

"Well, that would be a lucky break, wouldn't it? You contract some alien virus that can make you feel like you have any disease in the universe, and all it does is imitate a bad cold? Sounds like you'll be getting off easy if that's what happens, Rick."

"Of course you'd think that. Personally, I'd rather deal with Venutian varicella or Floopfloopian ass fever or Morgluxian measles any day over five more minutes of this bullshit. *Cough! Cough!* Anyway, talking to you is more exhausting than usual right now, and I'd like to stop. So whatta you want, Jerry?"

Jerry took a few hesitant steps closer to the couch, asking, "Are those real diseases, or are you just making shit up? Are these things I have to worry about you bringing into my home?!"

"Calm down, Jerry. Everyone in the house, you included, is vaccinated against the one that exists and has a vaccine. One of the others has no preventive measures, and one I just made up to mess with you. No, I'm not telling you which is which. My throat feels like I swallowed glass, and this conversation needs to end. So for the last time, what do you *ACHOO!* need?"

“Well, I need the VCR so I can watch this tape, so I can help you, Rick.” Jerry replied.

“Uh-huh. So sit down and watch it. Interdimensional Cable’s down, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly invested in the plot of ‘Guy Who Looks Like Gene With a Beard Stands in a Boat and Talks About Fish’.” Rick said gruffly, patting the couch and inviting Jerry to join him.

“Ummm, couple problems with that. First of all, I know you keep saying what you have isn’t dangerous, but until I’ve finished my research and am just about to cure you, I’d rather not get any closer than this. No offense, Rick.”

“Eh, none taken. That’s actually the smartest thing I’ve ever heard you say. Of course, that might be *SNIFF!* just the fever or the crappy medicine talking. I’m… not really sure. Anyway, you could just sit further from me and watch whatever that is you’re holding.” Rick agreed, turning to face Jerry.

“I guess I could, but with all your hacking and sniffling, I won’t be able to hear anything. And it’s very important that I pay close attention to this tape, otherwise I might miss some key details, and my plan won’t work. *SIGH!* Not to mention, if I try to explain my idea to you, you’ll just trash it and mock me like usual. So I’d rather not tell you anything until I’m just about to put my plan into action.”

“Look, you’re *COUGH!* right about the noises. Can’t really *Sniff!* do anything about that besides hope whatever the uh, Mimicking Disease moves onto next is quieter. But I’ll admit, I’m intrigued by this plan of yours, Jerry. And whatever it is can’t be worse than Morty’s idea of helping me so far. So go ahead and tell me more.”

“You’re serious? You want to hear my idea, and you’re not just saying that to fuck with me?” Jerry asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow. Rick, who really did need a break from talking, nodded.Jerry debated it briefly, then sat in a chair, saying, “Alright. I’m still not going to actually watch it with you, and I’d prefer to limit time spent in the same room. But I suppose it won’t hurt to sit here for a few minutes and fill you in on the details. I know you’re more familiar with Sailor Moon than Morty is, so this is already a better use of time than trying to talk to him was.” Rick stared at Jerry, slightly more alert now and curious as to what the hell that was supposed to mean.

[disappearinginq]

You know when things seem to be going suspiciously well, and then you're like 'why should I be suspicious? I deserve good things' and then the universe is like SOUNDS LIKE PRIDE - BETTER KNOCK YOU BACK A FEW STEPS. 

I got laid off very unexpectedly at the end of March. And I mean, out of the blue on all sides. My boss legit cried telling me that they’d just gotten rid of my position entirely and if she didn’t have two kids at home, she would’ve rage-quit on my behalf. This layoff came in the middle of the one year I decided to spend money - by paying for half of a major home renovation that my parents couldn’t afford otherwise (or would eat so far into their savings they would have none). Cue Panic Time. 

But because everyone was so upset, they bent over backwards to help me get another job, and I was unemployed less than a week, got a job doing basically the same thing but for $10/hr more (no more unlimited vacation, though, which is lame). Huzzah! Panic Time is over!

New job was gonna start right in the middle of kitchen demolition, which I was supposed to help with to save money (my parents are in their 70′s and 80′s). 

New job let me push my start week back a week to accomodate. Yay!

New start date is the date my new puppy was supposed to be coming home, and I’d originally planned on going out to get him. 

It’s fine - new boss is a dog lover and said I could take a sick day to go get him and it’d be fine. 

Things are looking good!

Here’s where the universe really sucks. 

This was going to be the first time I didn’t get a dog from a rescue in my 37 years of owning animals. But between my niece and nephew, my dad being in his 80′s, my oldest dog going senile and my youngest one afraid of everything bigger than her, and not wanting to get an emotional grab bag of various and unknown behavior/health issues (we’ve seen it all - cancer, a stroke, early onset arthritis, severe and unpredictable aggression, etc), I decided I wanted a dog that I knew the parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc, from someone who went out of their way with love and adoration for their pets to make sure they were healthy, happy, and sane. 

I picked out Dalmatian (which are specifically bred for 3000 years to do what I wanted and needed from a dog), and his name was Oreo. He had a flower on his nose, and he was adorable. I was going to meet him for the first time in three weeks, after watching him grow up on camera. 

Instead, the next door neighbors’ demonic and aggressive German Shepherds broke through their electric fence and attacked the farm where he was. They went after the horses, which needed to be sutured up, and they killed every last puppy, and maimed the mama who was desperately trying to save her nine babies from these monsters to the point they don’t know if she’s going to make a full recovery. 

I love animals as much as the next person, but I absolutely would’ve shot these dogs. I don’t know that I won’t if I see them when (if) I decide to take home one of the other puppies from a different litter. This is not the first time they’ve come after the animals and even the people on the farm. 

Fucking fence your dogs in. Electric collars and fences don’t mean shit. Especially if you have absolutely no recall on your dog. I have been attacked more than once by supposedly “friendly” pets. Golden retreivers. Labs. Huskies. Cocker Spaniels. Shepherds. Mutts. And every single time, all I’ve been doing is walking my dog(s) by on a public road on a leash, and every single time, the owners have gotten mad at me for my dogs (or me, in one very memorable moment) for defending ourselves and our right to a peaceful existence. I have had to pulls dogs kicking and biting off of mine, getting bitten in the process. I have brained one with a branch I found on the side of the road. I have kicked one so hard it literally went flying, only to land and come back after us. I have had to chase them down with a horse when they were loose in the woods and wouldn’t return to the owners and tried to bite the shit out of one of the two horses with me. I have had my neighbors’ Dutch Shepherd go after my horse while it was in its own paddock for the night - a half mile from the goddamn property line which is fenced meaning he jumped it or gnawed his way through it (Phoenix is a sociopath though, and kicked in the dog’s jaw - $6000 reconstructive surgery and zero fucks given by me). All the while, the owners are screaming at their dogs to come and being ignored, and then screaming at me for defending myself when their dogs don’t listen. I don’t care what breed it is. I don’t care what age it is. My barely fucking civilized coyote mix had 100% recall in the middle of a fight. I don’t give a fuck what your excuse is. Your dog doesn’t have more right than me to live. 

[writing-forever]

Chapter 4 Cold Hard Truth

Why is it that when I try to write fluff it turns into angst, and when I try to write angst it turns into fluff???

First, previous, next

@miss-night

Tw: Angst, Talk of death,

Sun jumped when he heard the apartment door open. He was happy for a second! His Star was back! That happiness quickly turned sour when he realized that meant they all had to talk about what Moon had learned.

He didn't want to but he pulled himself away from Moon just as Star came in the room to check on them.

They paused when they saw that Sun had been sad. “Are you ok?” they asked, rushing over and cuping his face in their hands.

Sun leaned into the touch and wrapped his arms around his Star, silently sobbing. “Moon-” his voicebox glitched and he had to reset it real fast in order for his Star to understand him. He tried again. “Moon said that you're not ok.” he said quietly. “He said you were sick.”

His Star tensed at those words and Sun could feel their arms tighten around him. Their gaze shifted to Moon who was sitting crisscross behind sun, there was a pained look on his face.

“Moon, did you go into my room after I deliberately told you not to?” They questioned.

Moon hugged his knees to his chest and nodded.

Star made a face and let go of Sun to put their hands on their hips. “Why?”

Moon hunched his shoulders. “I wanted to know what you were keeping from us.” He said. His voice surprisingly level. He looked up at Star, eyes hard. “Why didn’t you tell us we were going to lose you? Were you even planing to tell us?! Do you know how much it would hurt Sun-” His voice glitched. “If we lost you!”

Sun let go of his Star, reaching toward moon but not touching him. He wanted to be there for everyone but he couldn’t hug them both at the same time. Especially when they were mad at each other. He frowned and looked up at his Star. They looked angry.

“No, I wasn’t gonna tell you. You didn’t need to worry about it, I had a plan. I would’ve been fine! I will be fine!” They said their voice getting louder the longer they talked.

“Oh yeah? And what, pray tell, is your oh so amazing plan that can cheat death?!” Moon yelled back.

“Moony-” Sun started. But nobody heard him. He didn't like it when Star was mad at them. They had of course had their fair share of fights, but it never got any easier to bear.

“Ok fine, you want to go in my room? You want to see my plan? I'll show you and then you and your ungrateful ass can leave me alone!”

Sun held back a programmed ‘language’ while Moon stared Star down, his eyes brimming with anger.

“Show me then.” he said. He climbed off the bed and gestured toward the door. “Secret keepers first.”

Star huffed and left the room with Moon on their heels. Sun followed at a distance. He didn't want them to start physically fighting or something. He has to watch over them, protect them.

He wished he could protect his Star from this bad sickness. He wished he could protect them from bad feelings too. Both Star and Moon. If he could, he’d suck up all their bad feelings and feel them himself, just so that they could be happy.

Sighed and followed moon into the room. He looked around at the mess curiously but meekly. He still felt like he wasn’t allowed in here.

His Star was standing by a large desk that was covered in tools and gears. They were holding something in their hands, it looked like a small bot. It was the same height that Sun and Moon were at the moment, but it didn’t look completely finished. Its chest compartment was open with wires sticking out and one of its arms was completely detached from its body.

Sun looked at it curiously wondering how it was supposed to help Star with their sickness.

Evidently Moon had the same thought process. “What’s that supposed to do?” He asked, anger still present in his voice.

Star rolled their eyes. “You haven’t let me explain yet dummy.”

Moon glared at them.

Sun stood next to moon and grabbed his hand. Moon looked at him surprised, as if he had forgotten Sun was there. He squeezed Sun’s hand and sent him a small smile before going back to glaring at Star.

Star glared right back. Then they sighed and began explaining. “Look Moon, I know there’s no cure for what I have. So I’ve had to come up with… alternative solutions.” They held up the bot. “Like this guy. I designed them myself.” They smirked proudly before remembering that they were supposed to be mad. Their smile vanished in an instant. “Anyway, my plan is to somehow move my consciousness into them.”

Moon raised a brow. “Thats impossible. And it's toying with death, there's always consequences for that.”

Star rolled their eyes. “It's not impossible. Afton did it. And there are lots of stories about kids being trapped in the animatronics. This could work.”

Moon looked at Star incredulously. “Those are stories! They're made up so the company gets more money! You can't actually possess an animatronic!”

“Hey, I've done my research. All the facts line up. William did kill all those kids. Michael did live live for an unnaturally long amount of time. There's video footage of the animatronics trying to kill people. It just makes sense.” Star had set the bot on the desk and was now pacing around the room.

“Plus you remember a couple years ago when someone uncovered Afton’s research under some old building. I bought those papers and they make an uncanny amount of sense. He did tests! Granted, I don't agree with his methods, but damn he got results.” they stopped in front of Moon.

“This could really work!”

Moon shook his head. “Absolutely not! You will not go risking your life over a fairy tale. I won't let you.”

“I'm risking my life anyway! Did you not see the paper? Three months Moon. Only three. After that I'm gone. This is the best idea I have.”

“Figure something else out then! I won't let you mess around with remnant and spirits. There's a reason Afton went crazy.”

“Afton went crazy because he only loved his experiments and didn't value human life. And besides, I'm not about to go killing people.”

Moon huffed. “Fine then, build your robot. But please don't do anything stupid without telling us.” Moon held out his hand, pinky extended.

Star sighed before linking their pinky with his. “Ok, but you better let me do what I need to do.”

Moon nodded. “Deal.”

Sun smiled. “Does this mean you're not mad anymore?”

Star kneeled in front of Sun. Their face softening. “I was never mad at you Sunbun, you didn’t break any rules.” They glared at Moon.

Sun fidgeted with his hands. “But I don’t want you to be mad at Moony either.” He looked up at his Star.

“No! Not the puppy eyes!” They said dramatically. “Oh why did I decide to let you guys make facial expressions?”

Sun hadn’t realized he was making puppy eyes, but now that he knew he actively made them cuter.

“Ok ok, I can’t stay mad at you or moon. But that doesn’t mean what he did was ok.” They looked to Moon. “You guys might have been in charge of me when I was little, but I’m an adult now and I expect you to respect my privacy, ok?”

Moon nodded. “Just please don’t keep secrets from us Star. Please. I- I would be so sad if I could never see you again.” Moon grabbed the end of his hat.

Sun nodded, everyone was getting along. Well mostly, there was only one thing left to do. “Now we have to hug it out!” He said, holding his arms open.

His Star laughed and picked him up, hugging him tightly. “I think you just wanted a hug Sunny, was the fighting too stressful for you?” They asked, genuine concern in their eyes.

Sun nodded. “I don’t like when people fight.” He buried his face is Star’s neck. “You have to hug Moon too you know.” He said quietly.

Star hummed and switched to holding Sun with one arm before crouching down and holding their other arm out to Moon.

Moon looked down at his feet for a second before walking over to Star and letting himself be hugged.

Sun smiled, he was happy that everyone had managed to make up, even if there were still some problems, now they could all figure out solutions together.

They stayed there for a while, just enjoying each other’s company until Star stopped the cuddling for the sake of food.

They all went to the kitchen and Star got started on lunch.

They pulled a big frying pan out of the cabinet and put it on the stove before pouring a whole cup of rice into it.

Sun tilted his head. “That's a lot of food Star, are you sure you're gonna eat it all?”

Star laughed as they poured tomato sauce the in the pan, mixing it up before leaving it to simmer. “It's not only for me Sunbun, you guys can have some too.”

Sun blinked. “We can't eat.” he said dumbly.

Star smiled at him. They had set another pot on the stove, this one had lentils in it. “You can now. Corporate wanted you to get used to tasting things since you'll be able to do it in your new bodies. So they added that feature to these ones.”

Sun nodded, processing this information. “So we can eat?”

“Yup”

He smiled. “That’s so neat! I can't wait to taste whatever you make for us! I bet it'll be really yummy!”

Star nodded. “It is! My mother made this a lot that one year we were short on money. You remember the one.”

Sun’s smile turned to a frown. “We missed you that year, we wondered why you left.” He traced idle patterns on the table.

Him and Moon had felt so betrayed when their only regular stopped coming to the daycare. In their head they had known it wasn't really their choice. Kids couldn't come to the pizzaplex on their own after all. But emotions didn't often make logical sense, and the sadness crept in all the same.

“Hey, it's ok Sunbun.” His Star cupped a hand under his chin. “That was a while ago, and I’m here now.”

Sun shook his head. “But soon..” he trailed off, not wanting to say the words.

“Oh Sunny,” Star pet his rays and Sun leaned into the touch. “Don’t worry about that. I’m here right now and that’s all that matters. Right?”

“Yeah.” Sun sighed, letting out all the bad emotions. He smiled up at his Star. “Now then, we were gonna have food?!”

“Fuck.” Star rushed back to the stove making sure nothing was burning. It wasn’t but it probably would’ve been in a few minutes.

They turned off the heat and grabbed three bowls, filling them all equally. They gave Sun and Moon their bowls before sitting down with theirs and looking at the small bots expectantly.

Moon was looking at the food suspiciously like he wasn’t sure if he would like it or not.

Sun mixed his food before lifting the spoon to his mouth and taking a carful bite.

He gasped.

It was warm and melty. And even though he’d never tasted anything he could tell it tasted like cheese. Despite his Star not having put any in the meal.

He swallowed the bite and smiled at his Star. “It’s so good! I love it!” He said excitedly.

His Star laughed. “I can tell, there are literally stars in your eyes.”

“We can do that?”

His Star nodded. “You have lots of cool new features.”

Sun’s pupils turned into stars again. “That’s so neat!”

Sun turned to Moon. “Did you taste the food? Isn't it yummy?”

Moon shook his head. “Wanted to see your reaction first.”

“Oh, well now you've seen it. Now try the food it's really good!”

Moon held out his hands in an attempt to calm his solar counterpart down. “Ok ok.”

He took a small bite and his eyes widened before he took another. And another, and-

“Hey Moon calm down.” Star rushed over. “It's not going anywhere.”

Moon looked up at them sheepishly and made the sound of clearing his throat. “Sorry, it's really good.”

Star pat his head and went back to their seat while Moon fussed at the action, mumbling something about messing up his hat.

Moon went back to eating, this time at a reasonable pace.

Sun looked to his Star. “What are we gonna do today? We could play a game, like tag or pretend or hide and seek?” he frowned. “Wait, not hide and seek. Let's not play that.”

His Star hummed. “Well I was thinking I could show you guys all your new features after we eat, and then we could watch a movie or something. I can finally show you all the good ones!”

Sun bounced in his seat. “Like Wall-E? You’ve always said you wanted us to watch that one.”

“Yeah cuz it’s really good.”

Sun laughed. “All in favor of watching Wall-E raise your hand.” He said, mostly in jest.

Everyone raised their hand.

Star went around the table picking up the boy’s bowls. “Guess that settles it, cool features and then Wall-E, we can forget about everything else for today, yeah?”

Sun and Moon nodded it’d be nice to have some rest after all the chaos of the past few days.

[widowsliver]

hi, me again, u sounded so enthusiastic in your answer and your reply to my comment so i just had to ask : what was finsbury like for u? and go into detail, i just love to talk and hear about it so HIT ME WITH ALL THE THOUGHTS

THE THOUGHTS ARE THOUGHT-ING LIKE THEY’VE NEVER THOUGHT BEFORE. thank you so much for taking interest in my over-explained enthusiastic ramblings — I again apologise well in advance.

I also just want to preface incase anyone stumbles over this post, this is about my experience personally, and I recognise not everyone would’ve had the same experience as me. nether the less, everything shall be under the cut if you care to give it a read :)

okay, so I’ll start off by giving my experience getting into finsbury. we took the tube (and ran into another ‘75 fan on the way) and commuting was pretty easy (we were staying just outside of london, took us just over an hour to get to the park) and we got there just before 11am. if I remember correctly, I believe we were the second group of people to get into the holding area because of the concern of the crowd going onto the street, and from there it was pretty chill and the security that we ran into were all amazing and up for a laugh! the waiting did suck as they prolonged opening the gates but not much you can do about that, safety over everything!

as soon as we got in we ran to merch, grabbed a t-shirt and some scran and situated ourselves a row behind middle right pitch barrier — very happy with our spot (will include a video at the bottom) and the people around us were lovely.

onto the music!

After Life I thought were really good at opening and definitely got the crowds attention, kept thanking everyone for turning up early to see their set and it was appreciated. a very good performance overall!

Pretty Sick I admittedly did not pay that much attention too, although I don’t want that to be taken negatively, as it dawned upon me how many hours we were going to be there for. had to preserve battery lol.

American Football I will also admit was pretty similar, I was very concerned with scranning a milkshake… no regrets.

The Japanese House were the only one other than the 1975 that I would consider myself a pretty big fan of, and I’m pretty sure I cried at least twice. hearing ‘sunshine baby’ live whilst knowing I’d pre-ordered a personally signed copy of ‘in the end it always does’ was magical and amber herself blew me away with their vocals and presence on the stage. can’t wait to see them on tour.

Bleachers were probably my second favourite (not including the 1975) of the night. really great to watch on stage despite not being a fan and the energy the crowd was giving was immense!

Cigarettes After Sex although good, and I did enjoy, did feel a little out of place on the setlist. although I can obviously see why they were the last act before the headline, taking that out of consideration, I would’ve preferred to have watched cas after the japanese house, and then bleachers.

ladies and gentlemen… the 1975!

I don’t even know where to begin when talking about the 1975. from tim healy to people, I genuinely couldn’t have wished for a better show (although the nothing revealed / everything denied stan in me is praying for the day)

the opening. wow. although it was arguably obvious they were going to open with the 1975 (bfiafl), it didn’t make it any less impactful. hearing those chords striking that piano I’m convinced I felt it within my gut. absolutely breathtaking — and it set a high standard that was carried out throughout the entire night, completely electrifying.

to talk about the first ‘surprise’ of the night — ‘love me’. although I do preach being an abiior stan, iliwys also has a special place in my heart, ‘love me’ being my second favourite (after ballad… yeah) this is when I knew this gig wasn’t going to be topped by anything I’d previously seen!

‘part of the band’ will also get a mention here that despite being a regular on the setlist, reaches deeply into my heart. a tear was shed (and I had no clue what was to come).

“who gives a fuck this is too much fun!” matty’s little speeches honestly kept me going.

tim healy. tim healy singing my favourite song off of bfiafl. I thought I died and went to heaven right there. another crying mark.

also trying to kill me with ‘be my mistake’, this was a block of non stop sobbing.

oh, you thought you died right there?

HERE HAVE BALLAD!!!

at this point I was the luckiest woman ever that the couple we made friends with in-front of us let me swap with him so I was on the middle barrier. kindness from strangers is the best thing ever.

I genuinely don’t even know what to comprehend about ‘medicine’.

and as you can clearly see, having CARLY appear was not easing me down gently at all. doing this post has made me realise how the hell did I get out of there alive??

(I also went feral during ‘the sound’… not one of my proudest moments)

guys snippet… into iawds… as per my last post you can imagine what I was going through. the only thing that was running through my head was “I need to book my box tattoo appointment”

and now to wrap it up, ‘love it if we made it’ and ‘give yourself a try’ (and ‘sex’) being my all-time favourites and were the best way to end the gig…

until the 1975 to literally make me die dead right then and there when I heard the beat to ‘people’.

all in all, despite some people disagreeing, including consumption at the end really solidified the era and drew the door (or tv screen) to a close for one final time. your new era. your old friends.

(p.s the only negative thing I have to say is getting out of the park was an absolute fucking nightmare and made our journey three times longer, but seeing the 1975 definitely made it worth it and I’d do it all again)

[pokeexehasstoppedworking]

A Champion Time For The Heart Ch17 Return To Hammerlocke

To say you hated flying anywhere now would be an understatement. YOU ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY DETESTED IT!! The only reason you agreed was because it was already paid for and because it was the fastest way back to Hammerlocke. Woo hoo. You weren't really in the mood for more video game-..Uh. Strangers flirting with you, but at least Ms. Opal was nice company on the way there and it was very nice of her to pay for the entire ride over to Hammerlocke. You and Gloria buckled in on one side, with your Drizzilie and her on the other. When you all left Bellonlea you were a bit more cautious of your slow pace with her as you walked along the beautiful woods to leave, and kept snapping your head about keeping an eye out for any Team Yell members or that looney guy again. It was nerve wracking to say the least. Luckily you didn't run into neither when you finally got back to the lamp posts and the entrance into the forest. The corviknight and it's owner were fast asleep in one of the shadows of the trees before being woken up by Opal tapping him with her umbrella and requesting he take all of you to Hammerlocke. And after steeling your nerves and guts, you all piled in and did just that....for the next four and a half DAYS!! Opal had just relaxed back with her eyes closed most of the trip leaving you and Gloria to quietly talk between you two(when you weren't gripping your seat and forcing yourself to not look out the windows-) or more commonly watch more videos on her phone. Opal remaining silent and you would've sworn she was asleep if she hadn't opened her eyes whenever Gloria talked to her and talked back to you both in a polite but right to the point kinda way. Never heard anyone talk quite like her. You also made a few pitstops every few towns, mostly at night to let the driver rest and you have time to eat something at the local inn without having to worry about getting air sick for a while, before it was back to the fear inducing ride. You swore when you got back you were NEVER EVER going hang gliding, or even travel by plane after this. You also learnt within that time Opal was apparently looking for a successor to take over her gym soon and the person had to have something 'pink'...Whatever she meant by that. Eventually Gloria also found a good way to distract you away from your fear for short periods of time by the third day when she asked if there was anything you really liked listening too.

You blinked kinda surprised by her but shrugged and said, "Well, I've always loved baking. In fact I wanted to go into the industry when I was your age."

She seemed surprised at your answer and even Opal cracked open a eye towards you silently. "Really? Why didn't ya ever say anythin' before?"

You shrugged with a slight frown. "Eeeeehhh. It's kinda...Complicated. I wouldn't say I'm bad but I'm not good enough of a chef for me to make a career out of it, and I don't have any kitchen to cook in."

"What about an assistant chef? Bet you'd be good at that."

You shrugged. "I tried, but thins happened. So I was going to get a business license and try to open by own bakery."

"Well why didn't you?"

You paused at her question for a moment. You couldn't just say "Because I got sucked into an alternate dimension where pokemon happens to be real based off a game I used to play" unless you wanted them to think you were crazy!! Thinking quickly you shrugged and told the truth. "I left home around the time I was supposed to and started traveling." Which was the truth even tho you weren't sure exactly how you left or how to get back.

"Huh. Well I guess everyone wants ta see the world and do somethin' excitin'," Gloria said with a smile and you sighed in relief. Before she held up her phone to you. "If ya like music how 'bout I show ya some o' Miss Opal's bake offs? It'd be a good way ta pass the time. Ya wanna see some?"

"Sure why not?"

And thus the two of you relaxed back a little more now that you could watch these desert themed pokemon display their sweet powers and that filled the taxi cab for most of the remainder ride there. Of course you two made sure Ms. Opal was fine with it and after cracking an eye open said she didn't care at all. You did wonder how high you were flying sometimes but brushed it off. Besides, you had more important things to worry about. Like getting home and right now getting to Hammerlocke in one piece. Which also happened the very next day. Gloria had pointed it out early in the morning when she looked out the window and pointed but you couldn't get yourself to look down in fear of losing your breakfast, clutching the seat tightly and praying the landing wouldn't be the same as the last time you landed. Luckily whoever was listening to your prayers answered them because other than one rough shove from the corviknight putting the cab on the ground, the decent and landing procedure was pretty smooth. THANK GOODNESS!! When you finally peered out the window you were greeted with one of the entrances/exits to Hammerlocke. In fact it was the same one you two had traveled Route Six out of to head to Stow-on-Side. A Gym League staff worker awaited by the entrance, most likely for their badge rule too no doubt.

The taxi driver was quick to hop down and open the door for you three as well. "We're here ladies. Hope the trip was alright for you."

"Thank you, Young man," Opal commented slowly getting up and leaving the cab with you and Gloria right behind her. Once out she breathed a sigh of fresh air before looking up at the castle like town, "Hammerlocke. Always such a dusty town. Though I suppose some pokemon prefer it that way. "

Without even looking back to you she began slowly walking off towards the entrance, and you two slowly followed with Opal in front of you two. She was easily able to walk past the man who stood at the entrance but like the last time you were here, stopped Gloria, asked if she was a Gym Challenger, and then asked to see her badges. Opal continued walking as the two of you stopped and Gloria had to dig through her backpack to show the man her badge circle of five badges attached to it. With a nod you both were let in and she stuffed it back into her bag as you two continued off after Opal. And you looking around nervously keeping an eye out for Raihan just in case. ....But it seemed as Ms. Opal disappeared as you two walked along and looked around.

"Where did she go?," you asked peeking into the window of a cafe as you walked by but she wasn't in there. "She wasn't that far ahead of us."

Gloria shrugged as she looked at the people walking by. "She said she had some errands ta run so maybe she ducked into one o' these shops."

Hm. Maybe. You both continued walking and looking around as you neared the corner where the pink pokemon center you remembered seeing. As you two got closer and closer to the corner, someone with white fluffy hair and a giant pink coat rounding the other side of the corner onto the street on which you both walked. Both of you froze upon realizing the identity of the person who was walking towards the both of you. And he too froze lavender eyes blinking widely at the both of you as well as his jaw dropped somewhat. ...Before he pointed at you two with a large scowl.

"YOU!?"

"Uh...Hey, Bede," Gloria greeted with an awkward wave.

His scowl deepened as he shouted at her. "Come to gawk at me now that I've had my challenge band taken away and my gym challenger status revoked?!" ...WHAT!? Both your eyes widened as you looked at one another. Bede growling in frustration before gripping his fluffy white locks. "I've had to spend the past days working under that despicable Raihan person as 'punishment' for what happened in Stow-on-Side!! Do you know how much that idiot makes you work doing the most ridiculous things!? And now I run into you here too! Can you really afford to waste time like this?!"

"HEY!" Gloria scowled as well pointing a hand at him. "I was the one who saved your bloody sorry self from bein' crushed by a rock after you decided to play construction worker with the mural! If it wasn't for me you'd be flatter than a waffle under yer own mess!!"

He scoff and turned his nose away. "Well....I suppose so. You no longer have to worry about catching up with me after all." His eyes narrowed at her. "I'll have you know though that I haven't given up! I must become the champion in order to help out the chairman! I will go and ask him to let me rejoin the gym challenge!"

"Again with the Chairman, mate?," Gloria sighed letting her arms flop to her sides as she turned from a scowl to a pitied look. "Look Bede. I dunno what to tell ya. It's kinda useless to keep wantin' ta help someone who kicked ya out of the challenge. Tho considerin' what ya did I'm not surprised that's what happened. Maybe ya should just forget 'bout the guy altogether."

He gasped offended a hand to his chest. "How dare you insult my reasonings with your twisted nonsense! Any girl who'd even consider fighting for my affection wouldn't be so brazen!"

"What are ye goin' on 'bout now?!"

"Hm? That boy." You jumped as the two kids still argued with one another, whirling around to face none other than Ms. Opal herself and she was staring right at Bede with curiousity in her eyes. ..Wait. Where the heck did she come from!? "Now that's what I could call pink! So sincere and straightforward yet so twisted and misguided. I like it! That's the kind of thing that gives people some depth!" Eventually Bede looked up from Gloria and had to do a double take blinking in confusion at the new arrival. "Time for my gym mission, Child!"

"HUH!?" Bede asked leaning back in confusion and surprise at what the older woman just barked at him. "W-Wha-!?"

You yelped as suddenly with speed you didn't think she had Opal RAN past you and up to Bede who froze in place wide eyed as she looked him over. "Pink! Pink! Pink!" She shouted as she examined him. ...What did 'Pink' even mean!? She chuckled a bit examining the frozen boy's dynamax band before looking up to him with a smile. "Congratulations, Child."

"M-Ms. Opal!?," Bede sputtered out pulling his hand away from her as he looked uneasy leaning away. Wait. Bede knew who she was? "What in the world has gotten in you?!"

"You were used by Oleana. Am I right?" Bede froze once again and behind her both of you exchanged bewildered looks behind them. Opal took his silence as a yes because she hummed and nodded. "You worked hard to gather wishing stars for her only to have her throw you away like rubbish once she was done with you." Wait...How did she know that? "Come with me, Child. I might be able to help you out." She offered.

And Bede ...blinked. "I...W-What?" He shook his head before frowning. "A-Are you saying you'd be able to get me reestablished back into the challenge?"

She chuckled and nodded. "Of course, it all depends on how much hard work you're willing to put in too."

"Are you...Are you testing me?," Bede challenged before clearing his throat and shaking his head, hands tucked into his pockets as he attempted to look calm. "Very well. I accept! In fact I plan on making sure you see my full talents and tell me everything you know about the wishing stars!"

She chuckled again before smiling wider. "I think my errands to Hammerlocke have been met." Taking a moment she turned to Gloria who blinked at her. "Farewell for now, Child. You should head to Circhester. I take it you know how to get to Route Seven." And she turned away back towards Route Six and simply began walking away. Like nothing that happened just happened.

Bede made to follow but paused before turning back to Gloria who still watched silently- Before clearing his throat and turning away again. "I-I still haven't decided what to say to you officially. I'll need more time to think and at the moment I-I'm way too busy! So d-don't follow me around!"

Gloria's brow rose more clearly confused. "Uh....Alright." You both watched as he jogged on after the older woman before she blinked and turned to you with a shrug. "What was that all about?"

......You smiled. "Oh nothing. I think they'll both be fine. I have a good feeling about this." You turned and nodded towards the train station. "C'mon. It's still morning so we'll have to wait for the afternoon train. If I remember right there's a food section in the train station. We can grab a bite there."

Gloria was quick to agree with the promise of food and you two headed off towards the station. To be honest you were looking forward to food too that wasn't bland or dried tasting camping food. You had eaten enough food like that to last you a hundred lifetimes. Without having to wait for Ms. Opal anymore the two of you could walk a little faster now and were easily near the station as you continued to look around for any signs of Raihan but thankfully still found none. When you were stopped by Gloria grabbing onto your sleeve and pointing. You blinked confused at her for a moment before looking to where she was pointing and you couldn't help but stare as well. NO WAY!! Who'd think you'd run into her again while you were here? It was Sonia! Again! She must've just walked from the station because she was coming right towards the both of you, but stopped once she took notice of the familiar sight. The three of you pausing and looking at one another before the redhead smiled and waved.

"Heya!," She greeted once she was close enough, "Fancy running into you here. The badge collecting going well?"

"Sonia!," Gloria happily exclaimed in surprise before nodding proudly. "I don't mean ta brag." She crossed her arms proud of herself. "But I won me two more badges since the last time I saw ya!"

Sonia chuckled at her antics and you asked, "What are you doing back in Hammerlocke?"

She turned her attention to you one hand on her hip. "I've been doing some research on the ruins in Stow-on-Side. The sword and shield. Once Mr. Rose had his team investigate it of course. ..But I still haven't figured out some things. What kind of Pokemon were they? And where are they now?" With a sigh she shook her head. "I still have so many questions. I was thinking about taking another look at the tapestries in-"

BOOM!! Sonia was cut off as what you could only describe as a gunshot from a gun the size of an elephant going off somewhere overhead. The very action made you react immediately by ducking and grabbing the back of your head as your Drizzilie dove behind you in terror at the loud noise and shaking of the ground. Gloria gasped and fell backwards onto her behind and Sonia had jumped back nearly falling over on those heels of hers. Blinking up and totally but understandably SHOCKED at the sensation you had just witnessed. Another boom!? AGAIN!? ....Oh NO!! Was that Bede again!? Was he doing something crazy again!? Other people around you yelling or having a similar reaction to one of you three.

"AGAIN!?," you asked to no one in particular.

"Are you kidding me!?," Sonia shouted herself glaring up towards a particular tower, "What was that!?"

"Do I look like I know?," you mumbled slowly leaning yourself up as Gloria made an attempt to get off the ground.

"Hammerlocke stadium shook...That's where Chairman Rose's power plant is isn't it?" You...nodded. You think so? It's been a while since you've been back here. But there wasn't any time for talking as a buzzing sound emanated from Sonia's pocket. She was quick to scramble, almost dropping the phone in the process, as she pressed the screen in a hurry and the buzzing noise ceased. .....Her blue eyes blinked widely at the screen. "Huh?....A..power spot?"

"Power spot?" You asked confused. "You mean like where you can Dynamax?"

She nodded not looking at you. "That's right. The power spot detector reacts when it's possible to dynamax."

You rose a brow. "Well that makes sense since there's a gym stadium here. You mean Raihan can't use the stadium's spot to dynamax?"

She went to answer but didn't get a chance too. "Usually you don't."

"GAH!!" You jumped in surprise and snapped your head around to the person who scared you...And came face to face with none other than the Champion. Leon chuckled seeing your expression...before you scowled. "HEY! I thought I asked you NOT to do that the last time!"

He chuckled some more before waving a hand. "Sorry, Y/n. Hey Sonia- Oof!" He laughed more and patted the top of Gloria's head as she hugged him beaming. "And you too, Gloria! Wow. You've gotten taller! By the way you felt the shaking right?" She nodded and he hummed before looking at the same tower Sonia had been. "Seems Chairman Rose is testing something again."

"This is bad!," Sonia insisted to him, "Pokemon might start dynamaxing right in the middle of Hammerlocke!"

"Is that so?," he asked looking back to her and she nodded immediately, "I can make sure the Chairman knows."

"You'll just get lost, Leon. I'm coming too."

"Hey. I'm not THAT bad with directions, Sonia. I only ended up on top of a barn once!"

"I'm comin' too!," Gloria piped up determined hands returning to her sides. But that melted away quickly when Leon shook his head no.

"Sorry, Glory," he apologized genuinely and rested a hand on her shoulder," But it'd be too dangerous for someone your age to be wondering about a power plant of all things. Especially since there's lots of research and development happening in there that could end up going south at a moment's notice. Don't worry about a thing and just let me take care of it. Ok?"

She opened her mouth to protest. "He's right." But blinked at you as you frowned worried. "I think with everything that's already happened in the past month, it'd be better to just let the literal pokemon champion and a scientist handle whatever's going on."

She blinked between the two of you for a moment before sighing. "Oh alright."

"So you should leave the investigation on the quaking to the adults," Sonia agreed, "In the mean time why don't you head to Circhester and get that badge? I'm really looking forward to seeing you compete in the finals."

Again Gloria nodded before turning to Leon with a slightly worried expression. "Hey. You're gonna be careful right?"

He smiled brightly in a reassuring way to her. "Of course! I'm always careful!"

"Except with directions." Sonia sighed before beginning to walk away.

"HEY! I'm always careful with directions," he insisted walking after her, "Since when am I not?"

"Says the one who got stranded on top of a barn and fell into the ocean multiple times when going to Hulbury."

"Oh my Arceus. It was just one time!"

You chuckled before shaking your head..but paused noticing Gloria wasn't doing anything but staring after them. She flinched when you put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey. Are you alright there?"

After a moment of silence she sighed and nodded before turning back towards the train station. "Yeah. Jus' a lil bit worried is all. Lee can get inta trouble if he ends up lost sometimes." And she began walking. "C'mon. Let's go get somethin' to eat. Ok?''

You blinked at her sad-ish tone but didn't push any further when you started walking behind her towards the train station by the flight of stairs leading to the Hammerlocke school where you two had encountered Paula. Sending a small shiver down your spine as you passed. Eventually you both reached the inside of the train station where you two found exactly what you were looking for. Within the train station was two men and a woman behind stands who looked like they either sold tickets or pamphlets, a lot of seats, the exit for entering/exiting the train, some ATM things, vending machines, and to the very left near the entrance when you two came in was the small cafe area with it's own designated seating. A man was already seated at one table looking at what you supposed was a menu, and two very recognizable teenage boys were sat at another talking....HOP AND VICTOR!? Seriously what was the odds of running into so many people today? You tapped Gloria's shoulder to get her attention but Hop beat you too it because as soon as he looked up he smiled and waved his full arm at her.

"Oh! Gloria!," He shouted at her. Like a dog to food her head snapped to him faster than lightning before the brightest smile ever lit up onto her face as Victor turned around in his seat to look at the both of you.

"HOP! Victor!," She cried out before rushing towards them with you trailing behind with your pokemon in tow. "I haven't seen ya in days!"

"Well we- Ah!" Poor Hop was nearly knocked to the floor when Gloria practically tackled him in a hug (again-) and had to wave his arms to regain balance before leaning forward luckily not falling over. "W-We just got here on the afternoon train! Glory! You're crushin' me again!"

"After noon?", you asked before looking up towards the clock on the wall surprised when you saw it read 12: 24 in the afternoon. "Huh. I didn't think we'd get here that late in the day." You then turned back to Victor. "You guys just got back here? We didn't see you at the gyms we stopped by."

Victor shrugged back at you. "We went straight to Bellonlea after I won against Bea," He explained, "Then we traveled a bit so Hop could practice his battling skills before we decided to head to Circhester. Hammerlocke was just a stop before we reached there so we stopped here to restock for the weather they have up there. ...And I wanted to stop by to see the Hammerlocke castle ruins on Route Eight. Legends say that they might even be the remains of the very first castle built in Galar."

"Oh. So how was Bellonlea for you two?"

Hop sighed, having freed himself from his best friend's crushing hug, slumping his shoulders. "First that forest then that mad quiz. I've been lost in every sense of the word...But it looks like I finally caught up to you again."

"Does that mean you didn't get the badge?"

He chuckled. "Took us one heck of a try but we managed somehow to get it from her." He turned back to Gloria. "Speaking of which. Come with me to Route Seven real quick.I could use a bit of competition to motivate me for the next leg of our adventure!"

Gloria blinked. "....Our adventure as in yours and Victor's next stop?"

Hop blinked at her a moment before reaching to scratch the back of his neck and looked away. "W-Well...I uh....I've been having a lot of time to think, and i-it would be nice for you to join us again this time....AH! A-And Y/n too of course!" He was quick to add holding up his hands and a slight pink hue coming over his face. "Of course I enjoy her company too! I-It's not the same without y-you both!" Smooth, Hop. Very smooth.

But it seemed like just like with Bede, Hop's flustered state flew right over her head as her eyes lit up as she quickly agreed. "Are ya kiddin' me!? OF COURSE YES!! I missed travelin' with you guys!" She pointed to the door making Victor duck to avoid getting hit in the head. "C'mon let's go see 'bout that battle!"

"Hang on a second!," Victor interjected with a frown, "What about lunch? Hop, y'know we need to stop by the clothes store and get warmer clothes!"

"..I-...Y-Yeah. But we're staying an extra one or two days so you can see those ruins anyways, so we still have time for a battle and food and shopping..and all that stuff."

......With a sigh Victor sat back down in the seat and picked up his menu again. "Fine. But make it quick. I would like us to get supplies before the end of today. The sooner we're all stocked up the sooner we can see the ruins and head off to Circhester."

Gloria was already tugging him out the door as Hop waved him off. "We'll be right back! Don't worry!"

"That's when I worry the most," he mumbled.

You chuckled before going to sit in one of the chairs across from him, Drizzilie hoping onto your lap of course before settling down and letting you wrap an arm around it's upper torso to hold it. "Well, you two certainly looked like you had an exciting time while we were gone."

"Yeah I guess you could say that. ..Hey. Let's just order something for the two of us while we wait." Your Drizzilie gave a thrum. "Uh...Three of us. The three of us order."

"Are you sure? I don't mind waiting for the other two."

"Nah. I'm hungry, and we'll still be here when they come back."

"Well...Alright then.''

You two went ahead and ordered, not really surprising it was more curries, and it wasn't too long before the three plates were set down in front of you three all different. Your drizzilie immediately went to grab at it's salad curry you had ordered for it, but Victor stopped it before pulling out his own camera.

"Wait a minute. Lemme get a shot of these first," he said holding the camera up to his face.

"You're doing that curry dex thing too?," you asked holding your Drizzilie's protesting hands as it pouted being denied it's food even for a moment.

"Nah. I've just been collecting more pictures of curries and pokemon for Glory since she needs them. Plus I like taking pictures anyways, so it's not a big deal."

"Aw. That's really nice of you."

He was quick to take a few pictures of the curries and you released your pokemon's hands. Drizzilie was quick to grab it's own food and begin scarfing it down much to your amusement as you two yourselves dug in. You were happy that it wasn't another bland tasting granola bar thing or dried fruit snack made for traveling. And it wasn't too long when you were into your food that the two had returned and taken seats next to the two of you as well.

"Hey you two," you greeted, "Welcome back. How was the battle?"

Hop was absolutely beaming and Gloria sighed but not in a sad way before saying, "I lost. Hop really has gotten stronger!"

"Hey, congrats!," you smiled at Hop, "I told you you could do it!"

"Hehe. Thanks," he smiled bashfully before pointing towards the food, "Looks like we're just in time to order ourselves huh? Great! We can catch up with everything that happened then!"

Gloria chuckled. "Well then better get a big curry n' some popcorn! Cuz I gotta lot to tell the both 'o ye!"

"Oh boy. Here we go."

You should've expected the shocked faces that they all gave when Gloria between eating her curry(after taking pictures of them of course-) told them everything. And I do mean EVERYTHING. From helping the lad find an applin for his crush, to the strange MAYBE ghost girl that had you all deliver a letter to Mr. Frank, to the weird guy in Bellonlea who thought he was a pokemon, to how you both met Allister, to her gym battles, and of course everything the two of you went through in Stow-on-Side after they left. The two boys looked more shocked than they would've been if you had suddenly disappeared before their very eyes back the way you came and magically ended up back home. You just simply ate letting Gloria ramble on and on and tried to keep your drizzilie was getting food everywhere. You swore it was like trying to feed a toddler in your lap. Eventually sometime between all of this Hop finally spoke with a scowl pointing at everyone.

"I KNEW it! I knew that bloke was up to no good! And look at what happened!"

"Hop, calm down," you insisted holding up a hand, "To be honest I think he only did it because he was pressured by someone and did what he thought was going to help. I don't know why he thought there would be wishing stars under the mural, but he was right about there being something under there. ...And I really don't want to just talk badly of him since he already paid for what he did." You did feel bad for him but in the back of your mind you knew he'd be fine and get back on the right path now. "...But I think Victor said something about stopping by a clothes store. What for?"

"You'll need some too, Y/n," Victor said, "If you don't wanna freeze your leg off that is. Circhester and it's gyms are located in the mountains where it's always cold and snowy. If we're heading there we'll all need to stock up on food for the long trip too since they're the farthest gyms from here."

"Oh. Well I say we finish up here so we can get started then. I don't know how when the stores around here close."

The rest of the stay in Hammerlocke wasn't very eventful thankfully. After the lot of you had finished eating and paid, you left and you followed them all to the clothing store that Hammerlocke had. You weren't expecting them to actually be selling winter clothes but low and behold they were selling them amongst the regular summer shirts and shorts. All of your pants and shirts was pretty long and warm anyways so you only felt the need to find a plain coat and gloves as the others took their time browsing around and tried on various other winter type clothing. But you did find one thing you liked. A small child's sweater that doubled as a hoodie with the hood attached to it. You looked between it and the Drizzilie before taking it and after wrangling your pokemon lightly, slipped it over his head and popped his arms gently through the sleeves. Drizzilie gave a couple chirps in protest and confusion as he was slipped into the sweater-hoodie...before blinking and pulling out the hem of it to look over it. ..And looked at you with a strange look.

"Hey. If you're not going to stay in your pokeball then you're going to need something to keep you warm too."

You were pretty sure a water pokemon without any feathers or fur to cover him wouldn't fair too well in the cold weather. By the time you all paid for the small pile of winter clothes for the five of you and left the store, the sun was close to setting and with your low food supplies without there being any supply stores in Hammerlocke Victor was clever enough to come up with a better idea. Leading the confused group back to the train station, he walked on over to the vending machines in the corner of the room and considering everything in them was already made to last a long time they'd do until you all found another store with better surprises. Sounded good to you...Or it would've been if Gloria hadn't had the bright idea to use her Rotom pokemon. You couldn't believe it but the rotom pokemon actually transferred itself from the phone into one of the machines and one after another cans of soda, chips, instant noodle things, candy bars, and other snack like foods tumbled down one after the other with the lot of you eagerly grabbing at it. When you pointed out wasn't this technically stealing, Gloria assured you the rotom would be using money coming from her Gym Challenger account to pay for this all. Oh...Well you kinda guessed she'd have one of those to be paid after battles and all. By the end of one vending machine being cleaned out Victor mentioned once it was divided between the four of you it SHOULD be enough to at least last you all the trip up to Circhester. That was good to hear. By the time the four of you were finished with your shopping spree, sun set had finally taken a hold of the town and Hop suggested now would probably be a good time to set up came outside Hammerlocke and rest up to take a visit to the ruins Victor wanted to visit the next day. As much as you'd like to go to Circhester right away it was unanimous that the next day you'd be spending your entire day at the ruins.

That night you slept pretty well and by the time you woke up the next day Victor had already cooked everyone breakfast early. By the smile on his face, you'd say he was pretty excited to spend the day at the ruins. After eating breakfast and packing everything up, the four of you made your way down Route Eight. The castle ruins weren't too far down the road from Hammerlocke, just maybe an hour or two's walk. There was some blocked off areas by rope blocking access to some of the more brittle or dangerous areas of the place. And you did enjoy yourself while you looked around too. There was a couple pokemon you hadn't seen while you were traveling before and both twins seemed to get a kick out of taking pictures of either the ruins or the pokemon hiding within them, as you all walked around along with a few other people who seemed to be looking at them as well. The only ones who really seemed bored just standing around and looking at the ruins was your Drizzilie still wearing the sweater hoodie thing you had gotten him yesterday as he grumbled and walked along after you. The ruins were pretty big and decently had a lot to look at so it was no wonder the four of you spent nearly all morning and half the afternoon there looking at it all before Hop suggested heading back towards Hammerlocke in hopes of catching the night train out of town. Sounded good to everyone..Huh. You wondered if Sonia had studied the ruins here for more clues too? It wasn't too late when the group got back to Hammerlocke, maybe three or four o' clock in the afternoon at the latest, but definitely late enough to have missed the evening train out. Of course the three had to show their badges to the man standing guard at the entrance in order to be let in but it wasn't too much of a hassle for you five to head on in and back to the train station. In the entire time you were back here in Hammerlocke you hadn't seen Raihan again even once. You guessed he must've been traveling again or just not here at the moment. Fine by you. You all had a few hours to kill until the night train showed up sometime around eight o' clock. In the next few hours you all busied yourselves by having dinner courtesy of the guys and Victor giving a very happy glory all the pictures he had taken over the days they were separated. A LOT of curry (when did they eat so much of that stuff-) and pokemon she was delighted to have and then secure into her books along with the newest pictures she took with help from Hop sorting them out and helping to place them within the labeled pages. Which took up most of the rest of the time it took you four to wait for the night train because it took you all by surprise when the sounds of rumbling tracks and a train horn made you all look up as a shiny subway like train pulled up into the station.

"Ah magikarp!," Gloria shouted before dropping her fork and then scrambling to pick up her thing played on the table. "Hop! Help me stuff these things back inta me bag!!"

Hop blinked but immediately did as his friend asked as he too scrambled to grab any leftover pictures and the two books to throw them back in her bag as Victor quickly dug into his pockets for something. Luckily you didn't have the need to pick anything up or collect anything other than the drizzilie sitting in your lap that you scooped up into your arms when the others scrambled to get up, and Victor tossed what looked like a two dollar tip on the table for whoever had to come collect the dishes. The horn blasting again for any passengers who wished to leave Hammerlocke, which you four sure did heading towards it. Looks like you all would be heading to Circhester and hopefully Gloria's next badge on the way.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Almost There

Fandom: DC Comics, Flashfam

Summary: Everyone always knew Bart was eccentric, but the family becomes concerned when he starts talking to someone that doesn’t exist.

Chapters: 4/?

Characters: Bart Allen, Thad Thawne, Owen Mercer, Don Allen, Meloni Allen, Digger Harkness, Iris West, Barry Allen, Max Mercury, Helen Claiborne

Relationships: DonMeloni, BarryIris, WallyLinda

Additional Tags: Bart Allen-centric, Thad Thawne POV, No Powers AU, Imaginary Friends, Misdiagnosis, Blind Date, Hurt Bart Allen, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

Chapter Four: Road Trip

Bart and I were twelve the first time he escaped from the hospital . It was summertime, so I slept with the window cracked even though Mom and Dad told me not to. I had the fan on and my radio played the same ten stories over and over, so I could sleep. I would’ve slept through the night if it hadn’t been for someone jostling me awake. By the time I opened my eyes, I saw a figure crouched in the corner, drinking from my water bottle. I covered my mouth, afraid that if I screamed, the figure would do me harm. So, I sat frozen in my bed, hands over my mouth in horror as tears streamed down my cheeks. The figure stood after drinking all of my water, and they clutched their forehead. “Thad, get dressed and meet me in the swamp. Bring money and your suitcase. Don’t wake anybody up. We gotta get going,” Bart whispered. 

“What—?”

“Hurry,” Bart interrupted as he slipped out of my window and into the dark. I quickly obeyed, worrying that I’d never see him again if I didn’t. I couldn’t think of anything else. I met Bart in the swamp, and we trekked through the mud and the grass to the bus stop on the other side, and we took the bus to some random girl’s house. She sat in front of the public library in a car, smoking a cigarette. 

I didn’t want to get in the car. I was afraid. “Bart, who is this girl?” I asked. 

“Don’t worry. She’s a girl from my group. She’s gonna drive us to Des Moines,” Bart whispered. The girl chucked her cigarette out the window. I didn’t know what she’d do to Bart if I let him go, so I got in the car with him. It was still dark out, but I could see the dark circles around Bart’s eyes. 

I started shaking and crying once the reality of our trip set in. Des Moines was in another state. It was far from Mom and Dad and Digger and Owen… And—. And everything. “Why’s he crying?” the girl asked. “He’s gonna make it look like he’s been kidnapped… Did you kidnap him?” 

“No, I didn’t kidnap him… He’s my brother. He’s just scared. Thad, you hafta stop crying. I’ll take you home after I find what I’m looking for in Des Moines,” Bart explained in a soft voice. 

“Tell me what I am,” I begged with tears in my eyes. 

“You’re the only person in the world who understands… So, you’re the only one that matters right now,” Bart answered. I sucked it up and nodded. As soon as I had his attention, he was gone from me again. Staring into space, reaching for her. My face twisted with pain and contempt as I stared out the window. I felt so jealous inside I thought I’d be sick. 

The girl sighed. “I’m Rose. I stole my dad’s car to drive you guys to Iowa,” Rose explained, “And I like to piss my dad off… You can have an orange and throw the peel in the bag, or you can talk or take a nap. I don’t care.” 

“I’m Thad… How old are you?” Thad questioned. 

“Thirteen… But, who’s gonna suspect that a kid my age can drive like this?” Rose replied. “You’re identical, huh?” 

“Uh-huh… What group were you in with Bart?” I asked. 

“Ask your brother. He might not want me to tell you,” Rose replied. 

I looked over at Bart, and he grabbed my hand. “Bart, what group were you in with Rose?” I asked again. 

He didn’t look at me. I think he touched my hand to make sure I was there. “Anger management… It’s called something else, but I wasn’t paying any attention… I hit somebody in the face,” Bart answered. I nodded. He took off his jacket and draped it over me. “Go to sleep. We’ll be on the road for a while.” I couldn’t sleep at first, though. I was still shaken up and confused, but I didn’t want to ask any questions. He pulled a Bug Juice out of the cooler and gave me one before passing another one up to Rose. 

“No, thanks. If we drive for twelve hours without stopping more than once, we can probably make it to Des Moines without getting caught, which means, one bathroom stop and one gas station stop. We’ll combine the two if we can. If you can’t wait, we’ve got an empty bottle in the back and hand sanitizer in the glove box. We crystal clear?” Rose asked. We both nodded. “I can’t see either of you. Yes or no?”

“Yes,” we both answered. Bart’s cheeks went rosy, and he rolled his window down a crack. I nudged him, but he knew what I was going to ask. So, he nodded. 

**

Twelve hours, six in-car bathroom uses, five Bug Juices, two drive-thrus, and a gas station stop later, we arrived in Des Moines at a house that Bart specifically picked out. He went to the door and knocked before arguing with the man who answered, and he burst into tears. I got out of the car despite Rose telling me not to, and I grabbed his arm. “Linda said she’d be here. I came here for Linda,” Bart cried. 

“I’m so sorry, Mister. Our friend used to live here… And I—. We have to go now. I’m sorry about all of this,” I apologized. It was too late. The man’s wife called the police and they took us in for harassment, car theft, and something else. I couldn’t remember why I was crying so hard, but Rose’s dad came to get her immediately. He’d been tracking her the whole time. 

He made a phone call to both of us, but he didn’t tell me who he called. I would’ve stopped him if he had told me who he called. We were in a holding cell for three hours until Wally got there, and he lost it on us the second we got in the car. Bart started sweating through his clothes in the car, and Wally turned the AC on. Wally stopped yelling for a minute to get a good look at Bart. “Why is he sweating like that? Does he have a fever?” Wally asked. 

“No… It doesn’t—. It feels bad, though… I think you should stop the car,” I warned him. Wally pulled to the shoulder, and Bart opened the door to throw up. I thought it was all the Bug Juice and Twinkies. I couldn’t stop fidgeting, and I started crying because Bart felt sick. And I cried myself sick. “Criminy! You can’t both be—. Ugh! You’re both in so much trouble. So much,” Wally groaned. He took towels from his gym bag and wiped our faces. “Thad talk sense to me. Okay… What’s going on here?” 

I looked at Bart, and Wally shook his head. “No! No. No… Don’t look at Bart. Look at me. Tell me. What the hell both of you were doing in Iowa with a girl, a stolen car, and—? Thad… Thad, what happened?” Wally asked. I couldn’t stop crying. 

“My head hurts—.”

“Thad, this is serious… What were you thinking?” Wally asked. 

I couldn’t tell Bart, so I told the version of the truth that didn’t betray my love for my brother. “I just wanted my brother back,” I sobbed. Wally frowned and shushed me as he kept wiping my face with the towel. 

“Okay… I’m sorry for shouting at you both, but you kids could’ve been seriously hurt. Bart is ill. He’s a danger to himself—.” 

“I’m not sick… Linda’s real, and she loves you. I don’t know why, but she does. You said you loved her more than any girl you’ve ever met, and you—. You said you’d always find your way back to her,” Bart explained. He leaned outside the car with his head between his knees and tears in his eyes. I wouldn’t see him again for two years.

[versacherries]

You'd be home now (book rewiew)

“You can be around people every day of your life and not really see them, you know? ”

Following a fatal car crash where a well loved girl named Candy dies, two siblings who where involved in the crash, Emory and Joey (who happens to have severe problems with substance abuse) have to face going back to high school in the aftermath of the event. The book follows a 16 year old girl who struggles to find balance between living her own life and the need to save her brother as he struggles with recovery. Overshadow by his brother’s problems, she also struggles to connect with her mother as she feels she’s never seen and is always expected to be a nice and good girl.

My thoughts: While I’ve never had anyone close to me struggle with substance abuse, I felt compelled to read this book. It was an eye opening experience. It gives you insight on how addiction not only affects the person but it affects everyone around them. There’s a lot of stigma around substance abuse and this book manages to change the narrative around it and describes it as a sickness, which is something that I loved. While describing this sickness it goes back and forth on how mental health issues and substance abuse are not that different, I ended up relating to Emory more than I thought I would. It was beautiful, and sad, but mostly beautiful.

It took me right back to being 16 years old and feeling completely lost, looking for attention in all the wrong places because I had to take care of my mentally ill dad, just as she did her brother. Because we love them. She feels the need to take care of her brother because no one else is doing it, she misses parties, dances, and all the silly, but important at the time, high school stuff, just as I did mine.

There are beautiful quotes in here that I wish I read sooner such as, “You can’t put your life on hold for somebody else”, which is tricky when you’re 16 years old and you know nothing else.

“How dare you waste a life you haven’t even lived yet.” beautifully written in any context.

“It’s going to suck, and then it won’t, okay? Then it will just be after, and you can deal with that.” Reading this at 23 years old makes me so happy because it’s true. It sucked, and then it didn’t, and then there’s healing. And I wish someone told me at the time, that it wasn't going to be my forever.

“You can’t fix him because he isn’t broken. He’s just Joey. He has a disease.” Thought I could fix my dad, but I couldn’t, he had a disease, I wish I knew at the time. I couldn’t fix him, I had to live. It took me until I was 22 years old and therapy to realize he’s sick, I wish I knew sooner. It would’ve saved me a lot of heartbreak. And I wish I would’ve been more selfish too.

“How do you live when your life has been upended by someone else’s health crisis? When you feel guilty about wanting to go to a dance, or be kissed, or go away to college, because right next to you, someone else is suffering?” I had never related to a main character more in my life. Truth is, I felt guilty, and I missed a lot of important things, I went down wrong paths, and now at 23 I find myself feeling behind, because I didn’t live what I was supposed to at the time, I was busy surviving, and taking care of someone else.

So now I’m selfish, with my time, with who I let into my life. I need to live a beautiful life. Because precious time got taken away from me. And in the end, just like the book, I couldn’t fix him, I could just love him, even through the abuse. Sometimes you have to love people from afar, even if they’re family members. You can only help them so much. Beautiful book, with a beautiful, real, raw ending.

This book was a 5/5 for me