#it’s also a really nice place to skate gonna go back

[mer-se]

Cute 🖤

[alfredosauce50]

Night at the Museum

[America x reader]

Rating: M Word count: 5, 887 Synopsis: You and Alfred decide to visit New York’s Museum of Natural History for old time’s sake. In a stroke of bad luck, you two get locked in overnight, unaware and unprepared for the dangers lurking within. It’s where history comes alive, and he ends up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a bloodthirsty warlord. The whole time, he’s also wrestling with his feelings for you, and he doesn’t know which is harder. Solipsism: knowledge of anything outside one’s own mind is unsure; the external world and other minds cannot be known and might not exist outside the mind.

“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” — Theodore Roosevelt

“Man, we haven’t been here since we were little kids,” Alfred took it all in as he made it inside, to where he was greeted by the skeleton of Tyrannosaurus rex in an awe-inspiring pose. With its head bowed toward the entrance, he and other patrons were greeted by a set of razor-sharp teeth grinning down with a hunger for the ages. “I wonder if anything’s changed. Probably a lot.”

“A bunch of stuff, actually. But it looks like they did a huge revamp on all the wax figures,” You lifted your gaze from a brochure you collected from the front. The museum of natural history wasn’t half as impressive as the Smithsonian, but it had a special place in both of your hearts. “They’re meant to be super realistic now. You know, the whole ‘history comes alive’ pizazz.”

“Huh. Then what would be the difference between here and Madame Tussaud’s?” He glanced at you.

“The people here are worth remembering.”

“Good point.”

As local New Yorkers, it was tradition to come back every once in a while. Yellow cabs, subway crazies, and the best pizza in the world — there was no other city quite like the Big Apple, and you two decided to swing by during your semester break to reconnect with your roots. Needless to say, it was nice to get away from the upbeat chaos of life on campus.

“You think you’re gonna go to Arthur’s Christmas party?” He asked you, peering around the room of American history. There was a shining stagecoach pulled by four black horses, mannequins in confederate and union uniforms with their guns trained at each other, a giant moose, and eagles watching over everything else.

“Well, we kinda have to. Can you imagine how upset he’d be if we didn’t? He’d probably be heartbroken.”

“Yeah, but I get crazy diarrhea every time.” He scoffed, eyes wide as he recalled blowing up the toilet last year.

”You don’t have to remind me.” You shuddered.

“I know, I was just saying. I was thinking we could go somewhere fun,” Alfred gave you an expectant look as he tried to sell you on it. “We could go skating, or just watch a movie back at my place. What do you say?”

“Hm, I don’t know. I’m really craving his scones.”

“Seriously?” 

”But not as much as our time together,” You smiled, watching him light up. Taking his hand, you pulled him along and said this with a laugh. “I’d rather go to the dumpster with you than the Met. You’re my best friend.”

“Yeah.” He softened his gaze. You said that, but the way you held his hand said otherwise. Or was it because you two were that close? Either way, he was starting to go down the pipeline he swore that he wouldn’t.

”Are you okay?” You asked.

”Yeah, I’m fine.” He adjusted his glasses.

“Wanna kiss it better?” You swung his arm playfully.

Alfred glared at you as the only diversion from the fact that he was blushing. It was so like you to say things like that. You were attractive, and you knew it. With your sense of humor, it made for a dangerous game. But he’d been playing it for a while. He covered your entire face with his hand, then pushed you down to a nearby bench in one clean movement.

”Hey!” 

“Hey yourself.” Alfred walked off with his hands in his pockets, as cool as a cucumber.

This might’ve been all fun and games with you, but you weren’t the loneliest animal on the planet here. Not that it made his feelings for you any less real. He liked you, and not because you were an idea in his head.

You were real, every strange thought and neuron of your imagination. You could be as sharp as a tack when you wanted to be. He loved your mind and the way it worked, or at least when you weren’t tantalizing him.

“Remember when we were little we used to take baths together?” You sprung up out of the blue.

”Barely.” Alfred exhaled, wildly unprepared for what just came out of your mouth. But before he reacted any further, he reminded himself just who he was talking to. “That’s probably why we did it in the first place. Why?”

You were sleeping over that time, as you always did every Friday after your philosophy class. Your things were strewn all over his bedroom, like a half-eaten cup noodle, some snacks, and the clothes you brought over.

While he browsed the rest of the displays in the room, he let himself get immersed in that particular memory.

That was when you caught up with him again, even having the nerve to smile up at him with ‘hehe’ written all over your face. He glowered down at you, but really, he was just happy that you were by his side again.

You had a thirty second rebound before doing or saying the next pain in the ass thing, but he forgave you even faster than that. And it had been that way since horseshoe crabs were the only thing roaming the Earth.

”You think we could fit in the bathtub?”

“If you’re asking if I wanna take a bath with you, it’s an immediate no. We’re way too old for that.”

“You don’t have to be such a prude,” You mumbled, rolling your head away. “I was just wondering.”

“I’m not a prude.” He grumbled.

“And it’s not like I haven’t seen your dick before.”

“Yeah, when I was little!” 

“Can’t imagine it’s grown much since then.”

He glared at the ceiling, not wanting to give you the satisfaction of seeing how embarrassed he was.

As much as he’d like to pull his pants down to prove you wrong, he didn’t. Someone had to uphold a sense of decency around here, even if that person had to be him, the worst possible example of it, if he was one at all.

“If you’re done, I’m gonna go to sleep,” He sat up and twisted around to fluff up his pillow. You were starting to drift off by then, but he didn’t let you off so easily. “Don’t let me catch you peeking or I’ll molest you.”

“I wasn’t planning on it, geez.”

And to think he used to be such a cute kid, kicking his ball over your fence just so he could come over to play. You both grew up since then, and with that, came his awful sense of humor among other things.

But if you asked him, he learned from the best.

“You know the nicest people make the best Nazis?” You asked, walking by a glass display of three wax figures. Sakagawea, a young Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clarke on their expedition to the Pacific.

“Do they?” He narrowed his eyes in interest.

“Nice people look the other way and just wanna get along with everybody else.” You said, towing him along. “Have the whole country doing that, plus a heap of propaganda, you could get away with anything.”

“Well, if I was a German, I wouldn’t buy into it.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Alfred frowned, genuinely offended. “I’m not a freakin’ racist.”

”Being scorned is your kryptonite,” You pointed out, getting him to roll his eyes. So he didn’t like to deviate from standards, and being a raving right-wing was one at the time. “And trust me when I say you would be.”

”That’s why the second amendment exists,” He smiled sagely with a hint of mischief. “If the government was to push some crazy agenda into us, the rednecks wouldn’t have it. We shape society to what we want.”

”What if the society you want isn’t the society someone else wants?” You asked, stopping in front of an exhibit of a male Algonquin warrior. “We all worship something. What’s normal to you might be crazy for someone else.”

”I guess you’re right,” He agreed, gazing upon the person who lived — and believed — in things drastically different than did. His brows came together as he marveled at the man who stood over him, a chief’s son who had been dead for well over a thousand years.

Allen was his name. He had striking scarlet eyes, dark maroon hair, tawny brown skin, and a toned body from a life of hunting and gathering. As he stared out into the middle distance, there was something uncanny about him, like he could come alive at any second, but didn’t.

“What do you think this guy worshipped?” Alfred murmured faintly, strangely captivated by him.

It was humbling to be in the presence of all of these historical figures, but intimidating to imagine them as people who existed. He was a history nut, and one thing he understood was how astonishingly cruel and violent the past could be. From the swashbuckling tales of the Wild West to the burning sands of Ancient Egypt, everything was best enjoyed from the comforts of his modern American home. Or in this case, a museum.

Where all of the exhibits were mere imitations of the long dead and gone, it would take no less than a miracle for any of them to come back to life. Little did he know, a miracle was exactly what he’d be in for tonight. 

You two poked around some more, eventually ending up in the Northern European section of the museum. Nothing really stood out to him besides the Vikings, who also caught the attention of the general public.

“This man was the greatest viking to have ever lived. Mathias Densen, the king of Danes,” A guide showed off a wax exhibit to a crowd of tourists. You and Alfred were among them, having taken the liberty to tune in.

Some took pictures, others whispered amongst themselves at the impressive lookalike made to imitate a legend out of the sagas. He had blonde hair swept up in the front in an unruly mane, and the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen. With his arm raised and axe in hand, he was frozen in time, suspended in a pose so natural, it looked like he’d bring it down at any given moment.

“He was the most feared warrior in all of Scandinavia. When he threw an axe at his enemy, he never missed. But all blood and gore aside, he will go down in history as one of the best leaders and explorers of all time.”

”Wouldn’t wanna get him angry, huh?” Alfred gave you a side-eye, returning his gaze to the information plate. That was when he saw a portrait of a woman who was supposedly the only one who could go toe-to-toe with his ruthlessness. “You know, she kinda looks like you.”

”Really?” You leaned over. “I don’t see it.”

”No way. You guys are like twins!” He exclaimed.

“Maybe just the eyes.”

“Maybe she’s your long-lost ancestor or something.”

After another hour of walking around and talking, you and Alfred left to get to the exit. It was approaching closing time, and you two were among the last to leave. A security guard stood near the revolving doors, bidding farewell to guests. But before he could acknowledge you two, Alfred stopped and patted around his shirt.

“Shit, I left my glasses.” He winced.

Neither of you two thought it would’ve been problem to go back and retrieve them at the time. Who would’ve thought they’d made the security so much tighter that it would end up the biggest mistake of your lives?

After sweeping room after room, he eventually found them on the ground next to a bench. Sliding them onto his nose, he picked up a brisk jog as he made his way back downstairs. But by then, it was too late.  

“Now let’s get out before we get locked in.”

”Don’t jinx us.” 

”Not gonna happen.” 

And he said that so confidently too. Because when he pushed at the revolving door, it didn’t budge. 

”What’s wrong?” You asked from behind. 

“Nothing, just give me a sec…” He rattled it a few more times, but to no avail. Then, he let out a heavy breath as he admitted the one thing he thought could never happen. “… Okay, I think we’re locked in.”

“You’re joking.” You blurted.

You brushed past him to give the door a strong shake, needing that same taste of defeat before believing it yourself. Sure enough, it was locked shut, and would likely stay locked all the way up til morning.

“Oh my God, we are. What are we gonna do?”

”Call the cops.” He suggested, pulling out his phone to dial 9-11. After a few tries, to which he stared at you tensely with it pressed up to his ear, he found that the call kept failing. “Annnnd the cops aren’t picking up.”

“Well, keep trying! Call Arthur or something.” 

For the next thirty minutes, you both paced around while trying to reach local government services, then friends or loved ones. It slowly became apparent that you two weren’t getting out anytime soon.

You weren’t the type to express it, let alone say it, but you were getting scared and uncomfortable.

So was he, but like hell he’d let it show. Not because he didn’t have the balls to admit it, but it was the last thing you needed right now. You weren’t looking at him, and he knew in an instant that you were on the verge.

“We’re not gonna make it out, are we?”

Alfred was crushed with so much guilt, he couldn’t even react when the lights dimmed, plunging the museum into a pitch-black darkness. His eyes stayed wide with remorse, even when he couldn’t see you anymore.

In that moment, he came over and hugged you as tight as he could, lips pursed in a deep frown. It wasn’t every day that he could hold you like this, but he set aside every shard of his shattered ego to do it.

Even if he had to do it in the dark.

There couldn’t be a better metaphor for his feelings. Alfred had always been too afraid to tell you how he felt, and if he did, he’d do it in a way that was hidden from plain sight. This was one of those times.

It was one thing to admit he was scared. It was another to say he was sorry. But telling you how much you truly meant to him was damn near impossible. So instead of doing any of the above, he let you sleep on him.

He had his back on a cold hard bench while you drifted away. There was no way he was getting any sleep tonight, but this was just his karma. So he stayed like that for the next few hours, to which you began to stir. 

“You good?” He asked in a soft murmur.

”Yeah,” You rubbed your eyes. “Just a little thirsty.”

”I’m pretty sure there’s a fountain outside.” He helped you up, putting on his glasses. “I’ll come with you.” 

”No, it’s fine.” You sighed, getting up to leave the room. 

”Hey,” Alfred softened his gaze, getting you to slow to a stop. He was so exhausted, all of his walls were coming down. And he couldn’t stand to bottle it up inside him any longer. “I’m sorry, okay? This was all my fault.”

”It’s okay. We can’t all be born perfect.” You cracked a smile, walking off. But the happy note only lasted so long once you got to the hallway outside. It was so dark, you could barely see the ground beneath you.

With nothing but the wall lamps to illuminate the empty halls, the institution turned into nothing but a graveyard: a dim labyrinth of the long dead and gone. And like all graveyards, there were ghosts.

The black outline of wax figures lined your peripherals, and you gazed at them nervously as you made your way to the fountain. After a few satisfying gulps, you began making your way back to the room. That was when you heard the echo of footsteps in the distance, too far away to have made sense at the time. Someone was at the end of the hall, and it couldn’t have been Alfred.

“Hello?” You called out to the source.

The shadow of a man appeared around the corner, the details of his wild, upswept hair showing up on the wall. When he revealed himself, he was covered head to toe in thick fur pelts and armor. Your eyes went wide ever so slowly, heart racing as you were struck with this realization. He was a spitting image of the viking you’d seen on display, but he wasn’t just an inanimate statue made of colored wax and glue. He was moving.

Breathing. 

He was alive.

Alfred waited patiently for you to come back, though he regretted letting you go out by yourself. It wasn’t like there was anything out there, but you must’ve been afraid under that bravado you showed him. If only he knew how wrong he’d been. As he sat on the bench, the museum slowly came to life. All of its waxy inhabitants, people gone for centuries, returned from the dead.

And the lights came back on, one by one.

The Viking’s chest heaved for the air that hadn’t filled his lungs in eons. And with eyes as blue as the oceans he sailed across, he stared at you like he had just seen a ghost. They had a light in them they never had before, a consciousness, a soul, and you stared right back. But the way he looked at you was like nothing you’d expect. There wasn’t a trace of hostility in his gaze, but something deeply emotional and coherent.

Not that any of that mattered to you.

You split, running from him as fast as you could and with more adrenaline than what you thought was humanly possible. But then again, what you witnessed was a testament to the impossible. The dead walked, and you were trapped in here with hundreds of them. Whipping your head over your shoulder, you let out a frightened cry when you saw him chasing you. 

Your screams echoed down the hall, and Alfred felt his blood go cold hearing them. But he forced himself to stand, and without a shred of hesitation, he ran outside to look for you. When you weren’t by the fountain, his heart sank to the pit of his stomach. And his face, now whiter than a sheet of paper. Where did you go?

“(F/N)!” He yelled, sprinting down the hall.

But more importantly, what was it that made you scream? Whatever it was, he knew he’d never forgive himself if something happened to you. The lights were now on, and he swore he could hear the tapping of what sounded like hundreds of footsteps. There was something around the corner, or someone, he just never would’ve anticipated it beyond his wildest imagination.

“Where are you?” Once be got around the turn, what he saw put a stopper to his thoughts, derailing them with the most fantastical thing he had ever seen. His eyes flew open, and his mouth went agape so he could let out a shaky breath. “What the hell is going on?”

Swathes of people dressed in cultural adornments and even objects were out and about, talking to each other in languages he couldn’t even begin to decipher. Inuits, African tribesmen, and Edwardian socialites walked along the halls like time had just shattered upon itself. Marble sculptures, copper statues, and other pieces of art were moving about like they weren’t made of some kind of rock. There was even a Terracotta soldier, who was accompanied by a Chinese dragon made entirely out of green jade. Elephants, rhinos, and giraffes passed by in a strangely calm fashion like this wasn’t their first rodeo in the museum. Everyone did, except for him. 

“No way.” He whispered, glancing left to right as he picked up a jog. If he wasn’t wrong, everything in the museum had come to life. Was he dreaming? He had to be. In his dazed stupor, he ran into a medieval knight. There was a loud clank, and he would’ve winced from how much it hurt if it weren’t for being spoken to. 

“Excuse me. Watch where you’re going!” 

“Sorry!” He blurted. “I’m so sorry.”

”That’s alright! But you look a bit pale there, kid. What seems to be the problem?” The knight questioned, still wearing his helmet and hiding his face. Aside from his silver armor, he wore pure white garments with a blood red cross — the signature outfit of a crusader knight.

“Oh, um, where do I start?” Alfred panted, speaking in a frazzled manner. Funnily enough, this was the straightest he’d been thinking now that someone was talking to him. “Oh, I know! How the hell is everyone and everything in this museum alive right now?”

“I’d normally have a better answer, but I’ve never read anything like this in the Bible,” The other scratched their head through their helmet inquisitively. “Maybe I missed a chapter. But honestly, I’m just as lost as you are.”

“I’m sorry, what?” 

“The Bible. The word of God. Haven’t you heard of it?”

”I know what the Bible is!” Alfred raised his voice into a frustrated hiss, but he instantly felt bad for it. “Sorry. I’m talking to a monk, here. I should be more respectful. But never mind that. I’m looking for my friend. I’m worried something happened to her.”

”I could help you look for her!” 

“That would be great, thank you.” 

”I’m Gilbert. Proud Templar Knight and brother from the Temple of Solomon.” They took off their helmet and held it against their hip, revealing a head of white hair and ruby-red eyes. Then, they outstretched a gloved hand for him with a toothy grin. “Pleasure to meet you.” 

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Alfred, uh, son of Arthur, and student hailing from New York,” Alfred improvised awkwardly, giving it a slow, disoriented shake. “Wow. I can’t believe I’m talking to a Crusader knight right now.”

“So where did you last see your friend?” Gilbert asked.

Mathias carried you all the way to the other side of the museum, and you thrashed the whole time, begging him to let you go. When he finally put you down, he kept a firm grip on your hand. You were greeted by other Vikings, and just when you thought you’d be sacrificed like a goat, they broke out in wide smiles.

Besides them speaking in old Norse to you, which you had no way of comprehending, they were more than pleasant to you, even offering you some plastic food, which you politely declined. From the way they acted around you, it was like being with an old friend.

It became clear that they had no intention of harming you, but why they brought you here was still a mystery.

”I’m sorry, but I don’t understand what you guys are saying,” You interrupted meekly, darting your nervous eyes between them. They stared at you with blank faces before exchanging confused looks with each other. “Could you please let me go? I don’t want any trouble.”

“Where did you run off to? I haven’t seen you all week. I was worried something happened to you,” Mathias spun you to him, hugging you tightly before putting his hands all over you. “You’re speaking in tongues and acting very strange! We need to get you a doctor.”

”I didn’t understand that either.” You sighed.

”It’s worse than I thought. Somebody get Olaf,” The Dane ordered, summoning another Viking to come over. They took your arm and led you off, much to your dismay. “Look after her for me, friend. In the meantime, I have a man to hunt. He’s the one responsible for this.”

”Hey, wait! Where are you taking me?” You exclaimed, glancing back at Mathias as he left. In that precise moment, your best friend’s words replayed in your mind like a tape. You looked just like his wife, and so much that it had the actual guy fooled. “Oh no. Alfred!” 

It didn’t take a linguist to know that he was in trouble, but there was nothing you could do. Your companions kept you inside their make-shift hut, treating you as one of their own. They laid you down and spoke to you very slowly, so they must’ve thought you had a concussion. Either way, they weren’t letting you out of their sight.

You just hoped Alfred brushed up on his history, because he’d be needing it tonight.

”Where the hell could she be?” Alfred walked with his newest companion. “We checked everywhere!” 

”Actually, we still haven’t checked Northern Europe.” Gilbert corrected, getting the blonde to turn in the direction of said location. But he launched a hand out and grabbed him, pulling him back. “Don’t. It’s suicide.”

”Why?” He frowned.

”It’s occupied by Norse Pagans.” The albino warned, pulling him close for a tantalizing whisper. He glanced around before he continued, almost as if speaking of them would summon them like the devil himself.

”Norse Pagans? You mean Vikings?”

“They came here last week, and it’s been Hell ever since.” Gilbert took his collar as he whispered in a panicked hush. “We sent a missionary up there once, and he came back to us completely dismembered!”

“Oh, fuck.” Alfred dug his hands through his hair, now a nervous wreck as he envisioned the thought. But what made his stomach really churn was the unshakeable thought that it was probably where you were.

For that, he was surprised he hadn’t vomited already. And he almost did when Gilbert went off on a passionate spiel of the Scandinavian heathens and everything they’d done. That was when one appeared at the end of the hall, and it wasn’t just any Scandinavian heathen.

”I mean, he’s okay now, but it was really disturbing.” The other made a face of unease as he recalled the sight. It wasn’t something a person was meant to see in their lifetime, but at least he was in a more dubious position now. “I don’t think they care for God.”

“Dude.”

”What?”

”That’s the Viking I saw earlier today.” Alfred whispered, locking eyes with Mathias who stood no more than three hundred feet away from him. In the next three seconds, the Dane broke into a sprint, charging at him at a terrifying speed like a mad bull. He let out a wheeze, likely the sound of his soul escaping his body. “Aaaand he’s running at us. Well, this has been a good life.”

”God hasn’t forsaken us yet!” Gilbert unsheathed a gleaming longsword, swinging it in impressive circles.  

Mathias launched an axe at him, and it spun through the air so fast, it passed as nothing but a white flash.

It cut Gilbert’s head clean off, getting it to land on the ground with a thump. There was no blood or flesh, just a cross-section of wax where he was decapitated. While he had his face planted on the floor, he said this in a muffled voice. “So that’s what that feels like.” 

But Alfred had already fled by then.

He never stuck around to see his friend lose his dignity, much less his own. He whimpered a little as he pumped his legs as fast as he could. He was running on so much adrenaline, his bloodstream may as well have been battery acid. But not everybody could outrun a Viking, and he would’ve eaten it if it weren’t for the arm that shot out from the side, pulling him into a room.

When he turned to the stranger who’d saved him, he recognized him to be the native Algonquin warrior he’d seen earlier that day. Only this time, he was perfectly canny and had an unrivaled sharpness that would end up ensuring his survival. While Mathias ran by outside with his pelts and armor clinking away, Allen put a finger up to his mouth to get him to stay deathly still.

But above all else, quiet.

There they crouched, hidden from plain sight like the watchful forces of nature. In the most tense ten seconds of their lives, they stared at each other, cerulean and scarlet eyes as wide as they could get them. For a moment, Alfred forgot he was being chased, deeply enchanted by the person in front of him. He was quite literally gazing back into history, a thousand years into the past to be precise. But once the coast was clear, he went back to hyperventilating. He was still in shock from everything that just happened, and the first thing he let out was an excited, albeit exasperated gasp. 

“Oh my God. You just saved my life. Thank you!” 

”Don’t mention it.” Allen took his bow off so he could arm himself with it. Then, he peered outside the door, making sure there weren’t any Vikings in the area. Turning back to the blonde, he pulled an arrow from his quiver without breaking eye contact. “I’ve been tracking that guy for days, and this is the craziest I’ve ever seen him. You have any idea why he would be after you?”

“How should I know? I don’t know the guy personally!” Alfred exclaimed, following him out into the hall. 

“You must’ve done something to piss him off.”

”But I didn’t do anything!” 

“Then he wouldn’t waste his time chasing you when he’d rather search for his girlfriend.” Allen remarked. “One of my pals can speak his language, and he says he’s been looking for her ever since he got here.”

“Fuck, that’s it. Why didn’t I think of it before?”

They ran to the elevator, to which he pressed the button for the basement. It had always been on the tip of his tongue, but the whirlwind of a night left his head more scrambled than he thought. And now that he had it all pieced together, he came up with a plan to save you.

“I came here with my friend, and she looks exactly like his wife. He must’ve seen us together. But it’s okay, I have an idea. They must have extra wax figures in storage, right? If she’s as important as they say, they must have her tucked away down here somewhere.”

“Okay, so we do a trade-off.”

”Exactly.”

”Smart.” Allen pursed his lips, thoroughly impressed.

The doors slid open and thus, they began their search, sweeping the entire basement for the reason why the museum had turned into a war zone. After an hour or so, Alfred heard someone banging away and calling for help from inside a tall wooden crate. A woman, and she sounded just like you. He and Allen walked up to it, then cracked it open like a treasure chest. Lo and behold, it was your doppelgänger, but dressed in the height of fashion from what was a thousand years ago.

“I think we found our girl.” He murmured in awe.

The three of you got back to the elevator. It was a given that the you from the Viking age was a little hesitant to get into such a tight box, but Allen had a way with body language. He made a few gestures to let you know where he was taking you. What more was that these two men had just broken you out of an even tighter box, so you had no reason not to trust them. 

“You know, I meant to ask, but doesn’t it bother you that there is a living, breathing, homicidal axe-wielding maniac running around the museum every night?” Alfred asked, feeling strangely calm now that he sensed that the night’s excitement was coming to an end. 

“We’re not alive the way you’re alive,” Allen told him. That was right. As magical as it was to have the museum come to life, it wasn’t real. History had done its course. He spoke with power and humility as he confronted that fact, and for that, he seemed to be at peace. “We’ve had our shot. But you still have yours.”

“I have the craziest chills right now.”

”But also because we’re made of wax.”

“Okay, that makes more sense.” Alfred laughed a little, turning to him. ”So how come you speak English?”

”I’ve been on display here for years,” Allen grinned, walking out now that the elevator doors opened. They returned to the bustling halls of the Museum of Natural History, where history had really come to life that night. “New York is my home. Always has been.”

”Explains the accent.” 

It didn’t take long to track down Mathias again, and when he finally laid eyes on the one he’d been searching for, he turned into an entirely different person. His anger, terror, and everything that made him a legend, had all but melted into a deep emotional coherence.

He was nothing but a man now. A man with his own joys and sorrows like everybody else.

He dropped his ax and ran up to his long-lost love, picking her up and embracing her after what felt like an eternity. He finally found her again after a thousand years, and the scene was quite profound to behold.

But if you asked Alfred, it wasn’t as touching as his reunion with you. He found you in the hall of Northern Europe, holed up in a tent and rubbing your eyes. They were red from crying, and the way you looked at him was something he’d burn in his mind forever. And the way you hugged him, a feeling he’d never get tired of.

”I knew you’d come.” You squeezed him.

“Of course I came,” He squeezed you back, burying his face into the crooked of your neck. “But maybe it’s time that I switch out my glasses for some contact lenses. Don’t wanna keep losing them like I did tonight.”

“No way!” You gushed. “I like the way you look now.”

”Yeah?” He smiled rosily. From that outburst alone, he knew you’d forgiven him for everything that happened. But from the sound of things, you had a much easier time than he did. On the way home, he enthused you on the people he met and his close brushes with death. 

“You ever hear of a term called solipsism?” You asked. 

“Doesn’t ring a bell.” He shook his head.

“It’s the concept that everything around you doesn’t exist and is made up by your own mind,” You explained, stopping him in the middle of the street. It was dawn by then, and the rising sun cast a golden glow over your tender smile. “But if everything around me is just my imagination, you’re the best thing I’ve come up with.”

His eyes went wide, shocked by how sweet you just were. Just like that, everything he ever pined away for didn’t matter anymore. He was worth more to you than an adventure of a lifetime because he was that adventure. But at the same time, Alfred fell even harder for you, and it showed in the way his gaze softened. 

”Right back at you, sport.” 

[aliaology]

THE BEST DAY

summary: older hughes sister and her mama ellen hughes ⭐️

pairings: ellen hughes x daughter!hughes!reader

fluff fluff fluff its also lowkey so bad n short

five years old

it was getting cold in toronto. your big coat fell to your knees as you looked up at your mom with a big grin on your face. she held your seven month old brother as your father held quinn’s hands, helping him skate.

you carefully moved around on the ice, scared to fall. you do well for a solid few seconds before falling straight on your butt, causing your mom to laugh.

instead of crying, you look up smiling at her, immediately getting up from the ice. you quickly skate past her before slipping again. another laugh erupts from your mothers throat.

the sky is slowly turning gold as it sets, signaling it was time to go home. you whine as your mom takes your skates off.

your dad holds baby jack now. quinn is sitting beside you, legs kicking back and forth as he waits for help. your mom slides your boots on and immediately you get off the bench, hugging her legs with a whine.

“i dont want to leave yet.” you groaned. your words muffled due to her pants. she just chuckled and helped quinn.

then, on the ride home, you were fast asleep.

when you woke up, you still had five minutes left until you got home, and both quinn and jack were asleep.

you wondered why the trees changed colors over time, watching them as you passed by each and every one.

you also wondered how your mom wasnt scared that your dad was driving, he speeds!

you rub your eyes.

“i had the best day today” you yawned.

thirteen years old

your friends were mean. really mean. they kicked you from the lunch table, stopped inviting you to hangouts. every class you had with them, they’d ignore you or leave you alone during partner projects.

it came to the point where you were crying as you got home. you opened the door, tears falling down your cheeks as you threw your bag to the floor.

upon hearing the sound, your mother rushed towards you. “hey, hey, honey whats wrong?” she asked.

she immediately pulled you into an embrace. you cried on her shoulder, “why are they all so mean mama? im nothing but nice!” you cried.

she sighed and held you tight. when she pulled away, her hands stayed on your shoulders. “lets go for a drive, okay?” she spoke.

you nodded and wiped your tears as she grabbed the keys.

you both drove and drove until you were a few towns away, where no one would know you guys. you talked, and talked, and talked.

you told her everything that had been going on. everything that they were saying and doing to you. after ranting, she took you window shopping until you forgot all of their names.

when you made it home, you got scared. who were you gonna talk to at school? but then you remembered, you still have the laughter when you’re with your mom.

it may take awhile to feel better but,

“i had the best day with you.” you told.

you have an excellent father. one whos strength makes you stronger. one whos smarts may not always be at its peak but hits it every now and then. one whos cared for you to his very core.

you have perfect younger brothers, who you believe are better than you, inside and out. but altogether you guys are a perfect family.

you grew up in a pretty home, one where you had space to run and hide, and call yours. one where you were able to paint your room a bright pink.

and that place, was where you had the best days of your life.

twenty five years old

you were searching through your old stuff. there you found a camera and immediately you got to charging it. you were three, your mother was still pregnant with quinn.

she set up your paint set in the kitchen, knowing it’d be easier to pick up. in the video, she talked to you. asked what you were painting. to which you responded, “a princess!”

it was a bad painting of a princess on a pirate ship, a really bad painting. so bad, you laughed through your tears as you watched it in your lonesome apartment.

the camera zoomed in to your mother, your father obviously being the one to take the video. shes the prettiest lady in the whole wide world.

now you know why the trees change colors. you know your mother was on your side, even when you were wrong, like when you pushed a kid for calling a teacher ‘stupid’ in the fourth grade.

you were grateful for her, for her watching you shine and become who you were today. you dont know if she knows, but, you always had the best days with her.

ynhughes

liked by elblue_06, jackhughes and others

ynhughes you always know how to make me laugh. miss u mama, better visit more

comments have been disabled.

is this like.,, good..,

tags; @slaythehousebootsdown13 , @outrunangelss , @um-mads , @bqbylon , @whoreforthehughesbrothers , @p3nislawd , @queenmendes , @absolutelyhugh3s , @hockeyboysarehot ,

[cosmichorrorsarestillnicerthanme]

Juri, Cammy, and Ibuki reacting to their S/O casually walking in with severe injuries and when asked they respond: "Tis but a scratch"

I absolutely LOVED writing this, it really let me go all kinds of crazy, especially with Cammy's part, allowed me to tap into the more unhinged side of my writings.

Now, that aside, your wish is my command!

When you barged into the garage, drenched in blood, and looking like you just walked out of being a no name extra in a Tarantino film who existed only to be shot, stabbed, and otherwise beaten to death, Juri was rightfully concerned.

Doubly so when you started tearing the place apart and asked, in a voice that was WAY to calm for someone who was in the condition you were in “Where the crowbar was”.

Now, Juri likes to think she is a pretty brave lady.

I mean, she’s done all kinds of crazy things that have her skating the edge between life and death before.

Right now however, she got the feeling that she wanted no part of what was going on with you right now.

It also didn’t help that she was more than a little bit scaroused by this.

So, she handed you the crowbar and asked.

“So… you… uh… good?”

“Never been better! Why do you ask?” you responded as a pool of blood started to form under your feet.

“Well all of… that.” Juri stated as she gestured to all of you with her hands.

“Oh don’t worry, it's not mine. Most of it at least.Tis but a scratch! As they say.  Anywho! I’ll be back before dinner! Love you!” You exclaimed as you turned on your heel and walked out from the way you came, leaving Juri standing in the middle of the garage.

“Yup, definitely scaraoused.” Juri declared to herself before turning on her heel to return to what she was doing beforehand.

Cammy was not the type of person who shook easy.

However, the person she loved bursting into the home the two of you shared, drenched in blood and covered in wounds, was more than enough to leave her… concerned.

Doubly so when you took a kitchen knife and made your way back the way you came.

Luckily, she managed to catch up to you beforehand.

“Oh! Heya Cammy! How are you doing dear?” you asked her, completely ignoring your wounds.

“I’m doing… fine. How about you?” Cammy asked, deeply concerned for your state right now.

“Doing great! And don’t worry about all this, Tis but a scratch!” you exclaimed with a smile as you moved to move past Cammy who stopped you.

“How about… we take a little trip to the hospital first!” Cammy suggested as she wrapped her hand around you and gently took the knife out of your hand.

“Oh, okay, but I… I uh… I had something to do first, there was this blonde guy in a mask, a real weird guy. Had this claw, real, real strange.” You muttered, the blood loss already getting to you.

“Yeaaah… we’re gonna be taking a nice little trip to the hospital. They’ll have jello!” Cammy exclaimed as she wrapped her arms to guide you out the door.

“Ooh! Jello!” you happily stated with a smile.

The last thing Ibuki expected to see after finishing her training for the day was you, covered in blood, a knife sticking out of your back, knuckles bleeding heavily, blood pouring down the side of your face, and you carrying a metal bat as you walked down the street.

Ibuki, being a semi-normal person and excellent girlfriend, found this a tad concerning, and so, decided she should probably check up on you.

“Uh… hey there.” Ibuki greeted, the concern in her voice completely unmissable.

“Hey Ibuki! How’s it going?” You asked, paying absolutely no mind to the condition you were in at the moment.

“Good… it's uh… going good. You know you have a knife in your back right?” she asked you, growing more and more concerned with each passing second.

“Yup! Hurts like you wouldn’t believe! But don’t worry, Tis but a scratch! Now, if you’ll excuse me! I have some ruffians to finish speaking to in this parking Garage.” you happily exclaimed before walking into said Parking Garage.

Shortly following this, Ibuki heard the sound of a metal bat cracking open someone’s skull and a scream of pain, followed by the sound of a metal bat breaking bones, and just causing a great deal of unpleasantness to a fairly large group of people.

A very short ten minutes later, you walked out of the Parking Garage, your formerly pristine bat now blooddrenched and dented in several places.

“Now then Ibuki, what were we talking about before?” you asked, a massive smile on your face.

“I… think we were talking about… going to the hospital!” Ibuki exclaimed.

“Really? Well then! Let's go!” you declared joyously.

[spiderfunkz]

i saw ur recent post and now hear my out *drumroll* tasm peter parker teaching an S/O how to skateboard/skateboarding dates with an S/O <3

✧.* dirty converses

— summary : it's a boring sunday afternoon, so peter decides to take you skateboarding.

— pairings : tasm!peter parker x gn!reader

— word count : 0,6k

— warnings : fluff, established relationship, a kiss, reader almost falling whoops, pet names, not proofread.

a/n : *drumroll* here it is!! sorry it took so long butttt i hope u enjoy it <33 also i am no skater so sorry for any mistakes abt that.

peter has always loved skateboarding, it's something he can use as a distraction from everything, something he can do to feel some sort of freedom and joy.

ever since uncle ben gifted him his first board on his 9th birthday, he's been skating almost everyday. especially on sunday afternoons, the day where all the homework and essays are finished, the day where there are no chores due, and the day where he can just relax and skate till his legs go numb.

and now it's another sunday afternoon. peter's walking to your house, with a small flower on one hand, and his skateboard on the other. he's been dying to teach you how to skate for longer than ever, and when you finally agreed to learn today he did not hesitate to walk out of his house and run to yours.

you were waiting near the steps outside of your house, playing with the laces of your dirty converses. maybe you should get new, clean ones. you wait for a bit.

peter arrives, grinning from ear to ear. "hi, i uh got you this." he hands you the small flower. "for luck, in case you fall and break your ankles." he jokes — "you're mean." you reply as he helps you stand up.

"do you wanna just skate here? you're neighbourhood seems nice." he asks, "or- or we can go to the skate park." — "i could go for a walk to the skate park." you answer, peter smiles.

the walk was nice. you kept the flower peter gave in your pocket, a few petals peeking out. you felt the warmth of peter's hand and the cool breeze of summer.

the skate park was quiet, a few kids who were there left a few minutes later. "at least no ones here to see you fall." peter teases. "are you saying i'm gonna fall?" you reply. "no, because you have the best teacher of all time." peter smiles, teeth showing. you roll your eyes at his sarcastic tone.

peter helps you balance on the board first, his hands holding your waist gently, making sure you don't fall. "just relax, i got you." peter reassures. you balance carefully on the board, peter's hands letting go slowly.

"see? you're a natural, we can go to the basic's now like pushing off and stopping." he continued. peter demonstrated the move, you carefully try and copy it.

but i don't think falling was part of the steps — "careful there!" peter caught you as you were about to fall, he helps you get back on your feet. "it's alright, everyone falls on their first try." he attempts to cheer you up.

peter continues to guide you and help you through all the basics of skating. complimenting you every time you did a step correctly.

"see? i told you you're a natural, bubs." he kisses you on the cheek.

you continue to spend the afternoon with peter at the skate park. sitting near the ramps, you see peter skate from afar. you watch how his hair falls perfectly in place, how the glow of the sun beautifully captures his movements, you watch as he lands a trick, giving you a smile and a thumbs up before walking towards you.

he sits next to you. the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden hue over the skate park. "did you see the trick i landed there?" he pointed, "yeah! you should teach me that sometime." you suggest, "i will, you've gotten really good at this you know? i had a really good time with you today." peter remarks.

"i had a really good time with you too, pete." you smile.

sunday afternoons might be your favorite now.

[onim5]

Isekai Au

Chapter 6: Idk

Portgas D. Ace x Female Reader

Warnings: None

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

Ace had been to a lot of different stuff the past few days. Restaurants, bath house, cinema, but the absolute worst part was the fact you had bought him not one, not two, but around forty-three gifts and such. He didn't even know what to do with most! He had his own roller skates all of sudden, and ice skates! When Ace came, he had nothing, and now he owned more than he ever had. And every time he tries to tell you no, you already bought it! Ace sighed, looking at the three bags he now had. Sure, for the majority of time, you were off working. But the moment you got back, boy, you had something new for him. And every time, you use the same excuse.

"I'm on vacation. And I can't let you ruin it by stopping me from going." And then you had forced him to come with! And who has vacation and work at the same time?

"Ace, are you ready to go to the airport?" You called out. Ace grumbled but took his bags and yours to the elevator, apparently.

"Do you have airplanes in your world?" You asked curiously. Ace thought for a while.

"We don't have anything called that," Ace confirms as he places the bags in a car that has one more name, a taxi. We soon came to the airport and, let's just say Ace got nervous.

"How is that gigantic thing gonna fly?" Ace asks while pointing at the plane. He feels how a lot a strange unsure feeling settles in him.

"If it didn't fly, we wouldn't be here." You answered, patting him on the shoulder. Then you continued walking, and Ace followed. Inside the building, it was huge, really huge. You two put your bags on a moving thing and then got checked for something. Luckily though, both passed. He unsurely sat on foot on the moving stairs. And then stood unsure on it.

"I guess you guys don't have escalators?" You comment as you walk off the step. Ace practically jumped over, too scared to touch the end line.

"No, we don't." Ace grumbled.

Ace and you waited, doing rock, paper, scissors, and other stuff. Then, it was time to get into the big thing. Ace follows closely behind you.

"Don't do anything dirty on the plane." The flight attendant comments as you two walked past. Ace blush makes a little bigger distance between you. It was the billionth time someone thought you two were dating. The worst part is that Ace can't even blame them! If he saw a man and a woman around the same age, he also assumed that. Especially if the man is following around like a lost puppy. Ace sighs at that thought. He really feels like one.

Settling down in the plane, Ace gets the window spot, and you are in the middle. A young, handsome man sits down next to you and a weird feeling places in Ace's chest.

"Hello, the name's Jason Bacon." The man introduced with a wink. Though that wink had definitely different meanings to you and Ace.

"I'm Y/n L/n, and this is my boyfriend Portgas D. Ace." I said, gesturing to Ace. He looked away to hide his shock and flustered state. Why did you say that?!

"Dosen't seem like he has much interest in you." Jason comments leaning closer to you. Ace snaps his head in Jason's direction. Jason sees the glare Ace gives him and leans as far away from you as possible.

There must be a different way to ask someone to start dating here. Ace thinks. Does that mean I have a girlfriend! Ace leans back on his seat and accidentally places his hand in yours. He is just about to remove it when the plane starts, so instead, he takes hold of your hand. Ace looks out the window and watches it move. He can feel how the plane lifts and how he gets pressed into his seat. You give his hand a light squeeze in reasurment and smile.

Good thing I told Jason that Ace and I are together. He seems to be a kind of creep. You think, looking into Ace warm and nice hand. Ace is quite good at pretending.

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

If you have any questions, just ask. 😊

End of chapter 6

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Masterlist

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

aita for moving a (small) table?

OK this is a pretty minor thing but I still feel a bit guilty about it. As of writing this Halloween was yesterday, and this took place on Halloween evening.

So, every year on Halloween my parents go to my sisters house to see my nieces, and I stay at their house to give out candy in the front yard. I like to have some fun with it, so I wear a little grim reaper costume, and use a 'spin the wheel' style randomizer app to tell visitors supposedly how they are gonna die.

(Except its all funny slapstick stuff, and I have a normal cute fortune telling option for the little ones)

This year I wanted to add to it a little bit, so I decided to wear my roller skates with my costume and do some dancing and tricks while people walk up to make them laugh. (I have been doing roller skating as a hobby most of my life)

While I was getting changed, my mom brought out the table for the candy and a chair out to the driveway, which was a very nice thing of her to do, and I thanked her, but explained that I was actually going to move it up to the porch since the driveway was slanted and I would just roll down it on my skates.

This is where some context is needed about my mom, she is a victim of brain damage twice over, and also has OCD. Relevant to this story, her specific brain damage means that she has trouble regulating emotions, as well as difficulty speaking. Her difficulty speaking leads her to becoming particularly frustrated when she feels like someone was not making an effort to listen to her properly or was ignoring her.

All this to say, when I said I was going to move the table, she said no,no, it has to be right here. Dont move it. I figured she had become "stuck" on this (it's a common type of thing that she does, although im not entiely sure how to explain it) so I just agreed to keep it there to her.

Still,though, I wanted to dance, so I figured there would be no harm in scooching the table up once my parents left, and brought it back before they came back. Except, they came back early, and my mom saw the table in a different spot and became very agitated with me for ignoring what she said.

And I do feel bad about it, because I did it anyway knowing that these things that might seem small to others really can bother her a lot, and she is particularly hurt when ignored. She's over it by now and i apologized, but I'm still thinking about it. Was I being an asshole? I did intend to put it back, I wasn't actually ignoring what she said, I was paying attention, I just wanted to be a little goofy for the kids while she wasn't there anyway. Idk.

What are these acronyms?

[clonerightsagenda]

HDM Season 3 continued!

Episode 3:

Pan sleeping against Will's leg. I saw that.

Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are a couple that truly matches each other's freak (child murder) (derogatory). He was really like hey babe now that we're back together let's torture a prisoner of war.

"You look different." "So do you." Yeah you both grew several inches and she has a chest now. Puberty comes at you fast when you have to wait a while between shooting seasons.

More show-original squabbles to drag decision making out longer for some reason

The show is emphasizing Asriel sucking a lot more. Which I appreciate because he does kind of suck. Mrs. Coulter on the other hand is practically a tritagonist (evil/complicated)

They've switched Serafina saving an arrow to kill Mrs. Coulter to Ruta being hostile toward her. I don't love how I feel like they're skating on the edge of the angry Black woman trope with her.

"It's not about your beliefs. They believe, and they will act on it." Folding this into my conviction that Lyra is only the prophecy child capable of moving a multiverse of Dust because everyone is obsessed with her.

The forging scene was kind of half assed compared to the book. Where is the masterful forge Iorek built out of scraps because he's such a great blacksmith? You could not get the metal hot enough on an open air campfire like that.

Lyra: An angel? I'm gonna poke it.

TV!Balthamos is a lot chiller.

"Perhaps I never needed a knife in the first place." You're on the right track. But you also don't need high tech angel torture devices. You just need a big hole.

Shame they didn't do the bit re: the land of the dead where they cut into a world, then cut again, and end up in a reflection of that world with a former corpse now a ghost. I thought that was cool.

Episode 4:

God, you die and go to the afterlife and the prison guard for the dead is still a British guy. This is like Tell No Tales' load bearing British guy of death.

Everyone's reaction when Mrs. Coulter re-enters the plot is some variation of "are you fucking kidding me"

Mrs. Coulter continues to somehow seduce her way through the Magisterium. Is Mrs. Coulter a masterfully or misogynistically written female character for femme fatale-ing her way through various male authority figures and then losing her shit over her child: famous forum thread closed after 8000 pages of debate.

It's only now occurring to me that Asriel built a craft that can only be piloted by people from his world. It wasn't as important in the books, but in here where the craft can cut through dimensions, it looks more like keeping certain abilities tightly under wraps.

We're finally getting to Mary's lifechanging safari. About time.

It's also now occurring to me that it might've been nice for them to cut the living people stuck in the afterlife waiting room out. Most of them got there accidentally.

No Tialys/Salmakia with the kids in Death. Guess they wanted to focus on Will and Lyra, but it's a shame that we don't get Lyra pissing off Tialys on purpose to summon her death vs just wanting it real hard.

I can't remember how the ghosts knew that Lyra was about to get exploded. Maybe the show will elaborate on that.

Where are their fucking rollerskates

Will spent months searching for Lyra?? I guess they added that in to explain how much the kids grew but a) lots of devotion for someone he knew for like a week and b) Lyra should be in way worse shape if she was in a medical coma for months.

It says a lot that Will pulls a knife on the ferryman for Pan's sake given how much he hates having to be the 'violent' one.

They trimmed the ferryman's speech. I get it because it's quite long but still, bummer.

They didn't have Will screaming in agony! That seems unfair given the emphasis on how he's losing the same thing as Lyra. Maybe they decided it was not manly. Also it would be almost impossible to adapt into television but shoutout to the passage where it describes his experience as if he told someone to kill his mother instead of him because he doesn't love her.

[eating-plastic]

Hello again, sir.

Your response to my last ask got me feelin’ quite a few things, that’s for sure. Hope you don’t mind me reachin’ out to you again; I actually feel like we might have some things in common.

Yes sir, I’m a real cowboy alright.. Been herdin’ cattle and tending to the ranch since I was a kid. The internet is…well, it’s something. Seems kind of dumb at times but then I suppose without it, I wouldn’t be able to send you this ask (though I could just send you a letter, I guess).

Thanks for the kind words, Ricky. It’s a hard and simple life, to be sure, but we make it work.

Ain’t never heard of roller rinks before, so it was fun learnin’ about them. Didn’t hear about roller skates before neither. Seems like you’d need some good balancing to roller skate. It does kinda sound like fun, I’ll be honest. Sure, if we ever find ourselves up in Gallows Creek, I might just take you up on that offer. Ain’t never been on a double date before.

You trained your dog how to roller skate!? That’s actually pretty damn impressive. Best I could do with Rufus was teach him how to roll over. Almost got him to do a handshake this one time. You must have a real good bond with your dog, Ricky. From what you’ve told me of him, he does sound like a real good boy.

You know, Rufus was there for me during some tough times too. Ma and I left my Pa for some time and whilst we were livin’ away, we found a stray dog and named him Rufus. Ma said he reminded her of my dad; loyal, dumb and angry. He was mighty protective of me, that’s for sure. Rufus was a great huntin’ dog and loved runnin’ around the place huntin’ rabbits and the like. He was also my best friend. There was some days that were just too tough to face and he’d be there for me. It was nice havin’ him with me. He’d listen to me and just let me play with him. Though my mom and I rescued him, it seemed like he rescued me, just like you said.

When we went back to live my Pa at the new ranch he’d built, I was worried he wouldn’t like Rufus and that he’d tell me to get rid of him, but he didn’t. Rufus quickly became part of the Marston family right up to the day he died.

I’m real sorry to hear about your parents. They can often be a real disappointment, that’s for sure.

I never really knew a stable home or a stable childhood. It took a lot of getting used to, being on the ranch and livin’ like a “normal” family (not that we ever really were. We pretended to be but…we all knew we weren’t). I was still angry with my Pa for being the way that he was and I always worried that he’d just run off again, even when he said he never would. He weren’t ever abusive or nothin’ like that, he was just…absent a lot. Makin’ promises he couldn’t keep, you know? Always disappointing me and my mom. Anyways, my Pa and I always tried our best to talk to each other and get to know each other as a father and son ought to, but it was hard for both of us. I guess we just didn’t really know how to. I gotta say though, he did save Rufus life the once. My dad took me on a fishing trip and as we were fishin, Rufus got bit by a snake and dad had to suck the venom out right then and there. If he hadn’t, Rufus would have died. I was so terrified of losing my best friend, I didn’t sleep properly for a while and I remember cryin’ a lot.

They say dogs are man's best friend and I genuinely believe that is the case. I understand the importance of having a good, loyal dog by your side who will do nothing but love and protect you and help you through those tough times that you mentioned.

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had to go through those tough times in the first place, sir. I ain’t gonna ask what kinda shit you’ve been through, not unless you wanna talk about it obviously. Seems we’ve both got a good ol’ healthy dose of self-hatred, huh? You know, the more places I visit and the more people I get to know, the more I realise we’re all messed up in one way or another. It was true back when I was a kid and it’s still true now. I’m glad you found some good folk who’d listen to you without judgment; from where and when I’m from, that kind of thing is rarer than gold itself.

I really loved hearin’ about you and Rita. Sounds like quite a woman you got yourself there, partner. A real sweetheart. Pleased to hear you two have got a good life going on together in Gallows Creek. You two sound perfect for each other and I am mighty pleased to hear that she doesn’t actually eat plastic.

You said your girl likes raccoons. Maybe the two of you should consider a vacation either here in West Elizabeth or in New Hanover. We got raccoons everywhere. We also got cougars and grizzly bears, so you may want to watch out for them too.

Sounds like that town of yours has quite the history and reputation! If I’m ever in the area, I’ll be sure to look out for you and your roller rink.

All the best now,

Jack Marston.

(@tojackwithlove)

Hey man! I don't mind you reaching out again at all. I'm always open to talking with others, either in person or now on the internet.

Reading through your response has me thinking that we might have something in common too, at least on some level anyways.

Haha, yep, I taught Maxy how to roller skate. Believe me, it was not easy; I had many people tell me that it shouldn't be done after they told me it couldn't be done. It doesn't matter if you got two legs or four, skating is not easy when you start and takes a bit of practice to get used to. In my case, you also need a lot of patience and dog treats haha. At least Max was always happy when I would train him, but I think that's just because he loved the attention and extra treats.

Rufus sounded like a real good dog, and I'm happy he provided you some comfort when you were growing up. I can't say our lives were exactly the same, considering the time period you grew up in and your circumstances, but I do feel like there are some similarities.

Yeah, absent is the best way I could describe my parents too. I mean, if I did something really bad, I might've received a hard slap to the face, but for the most part it just...it just didn't matter what I did. Good or bad, I just...never existed to them and it only seemed to get worse the older I got. It wasn't all bad, though. My grandparents were great and allowed me to actually be a kid, whereas back home, I had to learn to be self sufficient from a young age. When my parents just didn't wanna deal with me, which was pretty often, they'd kick me to the curb outside of their house. Those were really good days.

My grandma was a real gentle soul. She spoke with a very soft voice, always comforted me after having a nightmare, and man, was her cooking amazing. She loved music too. She sang in her church's choir growing up and as she got older, played piano for the same church. I can remember her playing her piano at their house and we would sing anything together. She loved reading too. I can remember her reading to me before bed when I was really young. I really liked the Wizard of Oz books growing up, and she would read them out loud to me a lot. And I remember how she did this really funny voice for The Wicked Witch of the West so I wouldn't be scared of her.

My grandpa was a pretty tough guy, but he was a great too. He got me into football as a kid. They didn't have a television set, but they did have a radio. We'd sit and listen to the game and he would tell me exactly what a player did right or wrong in great detail. He even bought me a football for my seventh birthday which we'd throw around in the backyard in the summer. He'd take me out hunting with him too. He taught me some tips on camping and tracking deer. The rifle that I have now was actually his old rifle. I'm not big into hunting, but on his birthday (which is during deer season here), I'll take Maxy and go out into some of the designated areas for deer hunting. Maybe I'll get something, maybe I won't, but every year I always feel his presence with me out there.

Your story about your dad saving Rufus really hits close to home for me too. Yeah, I've um...my life has had its rough patches. I appreciate your respect for my privacy but are willing to listen to me too. The feeling is completely mutual. Talking is a very important part of grieving or coming to terms with traumatic experiences, but it's only good if you're in a safe environment with people you trust. It's upsetting to know that where and when you're from both of those are rare, and I hope that you can find them someday.

For me though, I've come to terms with these moments in my life. I've gotten to the point where they "have no power over me" anymore, as Rita likes to call it, and I feel comfortable talking about them.

I guess there's really no other way to do this except just telling it like it is. It all started with this...prank...more like a sick joke honestly. It was my senior year of high school and I was on the football team. All I thought was we were just gonna hang out in the woods with the rest of the team and some of their girlfriends, just...have fun. The next thing I knew there was screaming and people pointing up into the trees. I uh...I told you about the serial killer we had back in the 50s...and there he was...looking down at us.

I ran harder than I had ever ran in my entire life. I could hear the screams getting quieter behind me as I ran back into town, but I didn't dare look back; the number one rule they tell you about running is never look behind you otherwise you slow yourself down.

I made it to my grandparents' house; it was the closest place I trusted to go to for safety and to call the police. I was hysterical, hyperventilating and sobbing when they let me in. It took me 20 minutes before I calmed down enough to form a coherent sentence about what happened.

My grandpa called the cops while my grandma held me and was trying to calm me down, telling me that I was safe. But that just made me cry harder. I was safe and everyone else wasn't. I didn't lead anyone to safety, I didn't stay and try to fight if that was an option...I ran. Everyone was in danger, probably dead...and it was all my fault.

I couldn't sleep that night. Every little noise made me jump and I could still hear the screaming echoing in my head. I just sat there in the living room wide awake until the sun came up. My grandma told me I didn't have to go to school but I needed to go. I needed to see if anyone was okay after last night.

Of course they were okay. My friends were confused about why I was about to have a mental breakdown at that...until they told me that there was no serial killer. There was no danger...it was just a joke. A prank for the new members of the football team. I spent 6, 7 hours wide awake, worried and riddled with guilt that my friends and peers were dead, only to find out it was all just a joke.

But someone did die that night. A boy our age named George Barrow. Tripped and fell to his death trying to get away from the same danger I thought I was in. Even though I was told it was a prank, the fact that someone actually died just made it all real to me again. And all of that just broke me...and led to me making a decision that I would regret.

I hated alcohol. I hated what it did to my folks, I hated the smell, I hated the taste, I hated how it made me feel, and I hate it even more ever since I've gotten sober. But still I drank. It started small, sneaking a flask into school to sip at when no one was looking, until eventually I started filling my water bottle up with whatever I could easily steal from my parents and rinsing it out before practice, to just skipping school entirely to just...drink and feel awful about everything.

My addiction quickly became known to everyone, but at the time, people either didn't know how to help me or were just...apathetic about it. The whole "you made your bed, now lie in it" kinda thing, that it's your fault for throwing your life away. Can't say they're all that wrong...I did make the choice to start drinking.

I mean, my grandparents let me stay at their house long after I was 18 and my grandpa got me a job and taught me how to at least be a "functioning" alcoholic. I knew that wasn't gonna last though. They were getting older and older, and soon wouldn't be able to support me if I was spending most of my paycheck on liquor. Unfortunately, even that wasn't enough to get me to quit.

That's um...that's the thing when you have a problem. I was tricking myself into thinking that my drinking wasn't that bad, just because I didn't know how to help myself or where to find it. But you can't keep doing that once you find yourself in the hospital.

At the time, on the anniversary of George's death, my drinking would get really bad, and one night...I overdid it bad. I passed out but it wasn't just me getting black out drunk like usual. It's still so hard for me to believe even now but...I almost died that night. If one of my old friends wasn't there to call the ambulance because my grandparents weren't home, that would've been it for me. It's sad that it took me almost dying for me to seek help, I'm still not proud of that, but...at least I got it.

After ten years of alcoholism and a few more years in rehab and therapy, I finally did it. I got sober, I got help, and it felt like I finally got my life back. I think the thing that makes me most proud though, was the fact that I did it before my grandparents past away. Though it was only for a couple of years, they no longer saw me as the depressed mess I was, drowning my guilt and self hatred in alcohol, but as that energetic, fun-loving kid that they raised since the day I was born.

Of course...as I mentioned previously, there were...a few more murders, most of them just attempted thank God, but it still opened some old wounds though.

You see that kid, George...well, we he died he left behind a woman and his baby. And she hurt so much that...she wanted to hurt others. George wasn't remembered how he should've been remembered. At the time, I thought that all the rumors about him being a drunken, violent delinquent was true, I mean I only knew him for about...half a month and well...after I started drinking, those little memories I had about him only got more and more distorted. But when I got sober, those little memories did start to come back...and I was starting to realize that something wasn't making any sense.

He was involved in multiple sports, theatre, always happy for practice, and ready to know the rest of the team. It didn't line up. But whenever I tried to question it well...a bit of background. When I entered rehab and got in touch with a therapist...well those bills stacked up, not to mention my previous hospital visit. I wasn't rich, far from it due to my addiction, so I thought that getting help wasn't gonna be an option for me. Until someone volunteered to pay for those bills.

This guy...Teddy...he was a part of the Gallows family, which if the name doesn't give it away, founded Gallows Creek and also owned all of the businesses in town. He had money, power, and despite some unsavory comments he'd make, I wanted to see the best in him. I mean, he was paying for my bills, essentially making it possible for me to get sober and get my life together, but it turns out all he wanted was to hold something over my head when I started asking too many questions. Always asked me where I'd be without him and said I would've drank myself into an early grave like my folks, so eventually, I just didn't bother anymore.

All of these years, he and his family spread lies about some poor, dead kid over a stupid prank he came up with. And someone wanted proper justice for him.

Her name was Marie Campbell, George's girl and...mother of his kid. And as I said, she wanted justice for the slander that was done against him so...she tried to kill anyone she deemed guilty...including me. I know a lot of people would find it odd that I'm not throwing out every awful comment in the book about her after that...but.... Look, it's a long story, but basically this talk show radio host had to play 911 operator and you could listen in and...he got to interview her. She was hurt so badly, left alone to raise a kid, man. She was...kinda like me: she needed help but didn't know where to find it or couldn't find it. I mean, sure where I was heading wouldn't have resulted in me hurting people but...I was close to doing something else very permanent to myself.

I know people will think I'm crazy for saying this but...I do forgive her. I know everyone else probably isn't as "generous" as I am, at least not now, but that's their choice for them to make. I have made mine. Nowadays, I just want to remember both Marie and George for who they were in that brief moment I knew them. Not for the lies that were spread about him or for the woman who wanted to kill me.

You're right about everyone being a little bit "messed up." No matter how big or small, everyone has their problems, but everyone deserves a way to overcome those problems. For me, it was talking to others, finding roller disco, and getting Max, but for other people that may not work. Everyone's different, but they deserve something or someone to lean on through all of life's ups and downs.

And despite the pain and the fear that these two moments caused me, they taught me to feel grateful for everything I have. I'm grateful that I can wake up in the morning, I'm grateful for my friends, I'm grateful for my roller rink, I'm grateful for Maxy, and I'm grateful for Rita.

She really is quite a woman, you're right. After surviving that night, I did something else that I regretted. I relapsed. I don't know why I did it, but for a brief moment I slipped...and drank. I hated myself for doing it. Rita was away that week to head back home, and when she got back, I thought she was gonna hate me just as much as I hated myself. But she didn't. She felt nothing but empathy for me before I even explained what happened. She told me everything was okay, that this was just a slip, this little moment wasn't going to destroy my sobriety.

She was right, it seemed like my body almost immediately rejected the alcohol and I ran off to throw up. She took care of me for the rest of the night, which only made me feel worse. She told me it was okay and even made a lighthearted joke that I could make it up to her by taking care of her when she got sick haha.

It's great to have someone like her in my life. She's got her low moments, I've got mine, and we're always here for each other no matter what. From what I've heard, I think that's what you and Bun are like too.

Whew...uh, that was a lot huh, haha. Well, don't wanna leave this on too much of a downer. I hope you don't mind me throwing all of that on you, but I've learned from my therapy group that the more you talk about your trauma, it not only hurts less, but it also frees it from your mind by getting it out there; makes more room for more positive thoughts. Let's finish this like I started it: on a good note.

Yep, Rita loves raccoons. She says they're "just cats with little grabby hands" haha. I'll have to politely decline the invitation to West Elizabeth or New Hanover though, because of the cougars and bears and will just look at the raccoons that come by out back porch at night. It's a little family that she leaves small bowls of fruit out for, they're really cute. She did mention a town not far from your ranch called Blackwater, it was some restaurants and a theatre right? I wouldn't mind stopping by there when we end up in your part of the country, my man. It's only fair since you and Bun are willing to swing on by over here in Gallows Creek.

Again, thanks for the response. I saw you and Bun were going on a bit of a hunting trip, so I don't know when you'll see this, but I hope you both have a great time (or had). Peace!

[averagewriter-inthedark]

The Cowboy’s Ice Princess ⛸ | Rhett Abbott Headcanon

Link to my Rhett Abbott Masterlist

Takes place in the year 2021 (I know OR came out in 2022, but they more than likely filmed last year so im using that as the timeline). Also content warnings: light mentions of sporting injuries and misogyny/sexism by the press.

Rhett falling love with a Olympic figure skater would look like:

It all began when Rhett was asked by Cecelia to take Amy to her ice skating lessons. First off, the man didn’t even know his niece was enrolled in them. second, where the hell was he supposed to take her? After gaining the information —which was that Amy’s classmate had their birthday party at the ice rink in the city where she immediately fell in love with skating and begged for lessons—Rhett was giving the address and the two were on their way. “We’re gonna be really early, uncle Rhett,” she said when she saw the time, deep down it excited her-knowing that before her lessons were the training hours of a famous skater. Rhett, unaware of what the girl was thinking replied, “well, there ain’t no harm in showin’ up early. Better get you started now.”

When they arrived at the rink they were really early. Like Amy still nearly an hour till her lessons started. Only a few cars were in the parking lot so Rhett suggested they wait in the car until it got closer to the time, but Amy was like “no! Let’s go in! I don’t mind waiting inside.” “Well alright….” Walking toward the facility, Rhett missed how beneath the name of the building it said, “home of Olympic Champion, Y/n L/n.” Inside the lady at the counter smiled at Amy saying, “you’re early today Amy. The ice won’t be ready until they finish up down there, but i can get you your skates and you two can head on over to the bleachers.” Picking up her skates, since Amy didn’t have her own personal ones to bring, she carried them past the concession booth and locker room entrance to the stairs leading to the bleachers where music could be heard through the speakers.

As soon as the rink was visible, blue eyes landed on the figure gliding across the ice like she was a ballerina doing a solo on a the stage. Even from a distance Rhett noticed her beauty, which was only accentuate as she danced across the ice. She was dressed in a black turtleneck and leggings, white skates in her feet and hair slicked back into a tight bun. Rhett was pretty much frozen, captivated by the lone skater who was in her own element, unaware there were onlookers besides her coach who was off to the side. Each spin, each jump, each glide and Rhett felt like he was in a trance—until Any pulled him out by hissing under her breath, “stop being creepy and sit down, uncle Rhett.” When he did Rhett noticed a look of awe in Amy as she watched the skater, leaning in to whisper, “this why you didn’t mind waitin’ in her’ when you still got plenty of time?”

With a grin and not taking her eyes off the skater, Amy began to rant to her uncle, “That’s Y/n L/n—one of the best figure skaters in the world. Some weeks ago some of the girls I do lessons with told me ‘bout her after I asked about the little shrine dedicated to her when you first walk in. You didn’t see it but it’s on the other end of the counter if we would’ve turned right instead of goin’ straight,” Amy paused to watch the woman, Y/n, complete a triple axel, one of the most difficult jumps in the sport. “Anyways, Ruby told me Y/n’s trained at this rink since she was five years old and is one of few people from this city to make it big in the world. She’s competed on the international level since 2010–and went to the Olympics!! Three times!! She’s trainin’ for the 2022 Games in China happenen’ next year. Her trainin’ is right ‘fore my lessons but gramma always brings right on time so I never get to see her unlike some of the other girls. I heard people on tv call her the ‘Ice Princess’ —not ‘cause she’s a great skater, but ‘cause she’s rude to reporters—but some of the girls say she’s very nice and welcomin’ when they’ve gotten a chance to talk to her before class.”

Impressed and captivated by you, Rhett does a google search and finds your career stats. Whistling under his breath, Rhett reads that since your debut at the 2009 U.S Figure Skating Championships at the age of 14, you’ve gone on to become—in your discipline of the women’s singles— a six-time National champion, a four-time World champion, and are currently the reigning Olympic champion of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Rhett also reads you have three World silver medals, are the 2014 Olympic silver medalist & the 2010 Olympic bronze medalist as well as part of the 2014 & 2018 U.S Olympic bronze medal teams. Bringing a total of five Olympic medals in three appearances. Rhett even came across a YouTube compilation titled, ‘Y/n L/n being the Ice Princess & snapping back at reporters for 4 minutes straight.’ Curious, Rhett watches it and all he saw was you acting how anyone would when asked about their weight, diet, personal struggles, and that they were getting old in a sport known for young girls.

What made Rhett’s eyes gouge from his head was when your information read that you were actually from Wabang. “No fucking way,” he muttered just as the music ended. Lifting his head he saw you exhale and skate in the direction of your coach. He couldn’t hear what was being said but soon you were back in the middle of the ice doing spins so fast it made him dizzy. You continued practicing elements of your routine for the remainder of your training. When it came time for you to exit the ice, feeling bold, Amy jumped up and raced to the entrance of the ice to meet you there with Rhett calling out to her. The sound caught your attention, where you smiled at the sight of a little girl beaming up at you with awe in her eyes, “well hello.”

Introducing herself, Amy politely asked for a picture which you happily agreed to just as Rhett approached with an apologetic expression. Immediately you thought he was handsome and looked away when you connected eyes. Gosh they were the most gorgeous shade of blue you’d ever seen. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. We didn’t mean to bother you, Ms. L/n.” You brushed it off saying it was not a problem and you were enjoying Amy’s company, hoping Rhett couldn’t pick up on the fact you found him extremely attractive. Since Rhett had the phone, he quickly snapped some photos of you two before he and Amy thanked you for your time. Amy’s lessons were about to start so you wished good luck and to have fun before heading to the locker room to freshen up and change since you weren’t gonna be back in the rink till later that night.

Rhett could not stop thinking about you after that. Whenever Amy had lessons Rhett would offer to take her, making his mother confused, and, coincidently, would arrive 20-30 minutes before her lessons just to watch you train. Sometimes her friends in the classes were also there, so it worked out cause then they weren’t the only two being lowkey creeps. Finding it amusing—especially when Rhett tried to make it look like he wasn’t completely captivated by you—you’d wave to them and say hello when passing by on your way out. Rhett would tip his hat, giving you a smile that nearly knocked your skates off.

Amy had lessons every Saturday & Sunday afternoon so after a month of admiring each other from a distance, you made the first move by approaching him after changing into your hoodie and jeans, “This seat taken?” “Not at all. Please, be my guest.” You two talked the entire duration of Amy’s lesson. After finding out they were also from Wabang, and Rhett mentioning he read you were from there, you explained to him, “Yeah my ma worked as a nurse here in the city and would bring me everyday while she worked almost a twelve-hour shift. I basically grew up in the rink. My pops was a ranch hand ‘til he hurt his back and homeschooled me so I could skate. I moved closer to here when I turned eighteen—but my folks still live in Wabang and I visit every week.” Rhett then talked about his family’s ranch and bull riding and soon Amy’s lesson ended. While she was getting changed you and Rhett exchanged numbers after the cowboy asked if you wanted to get coffee the next time you were in town.

The feelings between you two bloomed over several weeks of texting, phone calls, and going on dates whenever you were in Wabang or having Rhett travel to the city. One of your dates actually was bringing him onto the ice after the days lessons were done and nobody wad there. That memory would go down as the funniest night of your lives with Rhett losing his balance, bringing you both onto the ice several times because you two were holding hands. “C’mon, cowboy, give me one lap without falling and I may just give you a kiss when the night ends.” Oh you bet your ass he did everything in his power to not fall on that one lap. When it was a success he immediately asked for his payment, and so your first kiss happened right there in the middle of the rink. From that moment on you were his and he was yours

When you came to the ranch Rhett would teach you to rope and ride a horse. His mother nearly had a heart attack when you met for the first time, obviously knowing who you were because she’d seen the shrine dedicated to you and your accomplishments at the rink. She couldn’t believe her son actually was in a relationship with you. Amy was over the moon and happy for her uncle. Royal and Perry were actually impressed but lowkey made bets on how long it would take for Rhett to fuck it up.

Rhett was head over heels for you and made the promise to never let you down. You were his woman and he became your biggest supporter. Even when Amy didn’t have lessons Rhett would come to the rink in his free time to bring you food or sit in on your practice. He saved up money just to travel and watch you compete, spent time on learning the different moves and jumps, and how the scoring works. You’d made it known to him that the upcoming Beijing Games were to be your last if you made the team so Rhett became your personal cheerleader to motivate you to do your best. “Baby, you’re gonna make that team—no doubt ‘bout it. Just keep doin’ what’re doin’ and that gold medal will be yours again. And I’m gonna be cheerin’ you on every step of the way.”

You made Rhett feel things he never thought he would feel. You inspired him, motivated him, was not only his partner but his best friend. With you he never felt like a disappointment. You made him laugh, held him when he cried after a bad day, encouraged him to follow his dreams. Rhett loved you so much he couldn’t picture a life without you. Even when he would rant about how you deserved better than him, you stayed by his side, kissing him breathless to show you were just as crazy about him as he was of you. “I don’t ever wanna hear those words again, Rhett Abbott. I don’t just open heart to anyone. You are the most amazing man I’ve ever met, and I love you so much and I’m going to make sure you know that everyday. You’re my cowboy, Rhett Abbott.”

You would attend his rodeos, cheering in the stands which has some of the locals shocked to see you there. Although you no longer lived in Wabang many of the residents knew who you were. Whenever the Olympics came around your picture was on the front page of the newspaper, detailing your accomplishments. Many couldn’t believe one of then had made it to the worlds greatest sporting stage and was recognized as one of the best athletes in their sport. They also couldn’t believe the notorious Rhett Abbott had managed to pull you—confirmed by the dropping of jaws when Rhett swooped you off your feet to kiss you when he finished his ride. He’d been up front with you about his reputation, but you assured him you’d never judge him by his past and as long as he continues to be the man he was to you then you were in for the long haul. “C’mon, cowboy, let’s show ‘em you’re better than what they perceive ya.” With his Stetson on your head, you had to hold back smirking at the disappointed looks from buckle bunnies.

Being a professional athlete working to defend an Olympic title was challenging. There were days you didn’t hit your routine as sharp or fell on a jump. About three month before the trials you lightly sprained your ankle when you landed wrong on your triple axel, putting you off the rink for two weeks for it to heal. During that period your stress and anxiety was high, worried that you were falling off your game and would miss your chance at winning a second gold. 2018 was the best year of your life, winning your first Olympic gold in your third Games. Since then the commentators have put a lot of pressure on you and have go so far as to call you the ‘Ice Princess,’ due to your stone cold attitude at the press when they’ve asked offensive questions you’ve called them out on instead of giving a sugar coated answer to remain polite. Only the media seemed to be your enemy because friends, teammates and even competitors had praised you for standing up to the press.

On those days that were hard Rhett would take you out on a nice date before settling down for the night by cuddling on the coach with the fire going and have a movie on the tv. Rhett would hold you in his arms, running his hands through your hair and murmur words of encouragement. “I know you had a rough day, baby. But just ‘member that each rough day is a sign to do better the next. Tomorrow is a new day. You just gotta rest tonight and put your mind at ease, so let’s talk about anythin’ ‘sides the ice.”

When the trials came for the 2022 Winter Olympic team, you were the #1 overall skater for your discipline securing your spot on the team. You were in tears, hugging your coach as Rhett, his family, and your family cheered in the stands. He even had to wipe his face, overcome with emotion and met you when it concluded with a bouquet of flowers and a passionate kiss. “I’m so proud of you, darlin’. So so proud,” he said in between kisses, “you were incredible—I knew you could do it.” Unfortunately Rhett wouldn’t be joining you in Beijing due to the COVID restrictions set in place, but he promised to be up every morning to watch you skate. It was a tearful goodbye at the airport with Rhett telling you how much he loved you and would miss for the next two and a half weeks, and after several kisses and promises to call everyday he finally let you go so you could get through customs.

Rhett and his family sat down to watch the opening ceremonies of the Games where you led Team USA as their selected flag bearer. You looked so adorable in your outfit that Rhett couldn’t help but take a picture if his tv when the camera panned to you. Not much of a social media person, he did however post it on his story with the caption, “That’s my Ice Princess♥️⛸.” The nickname you once hated ended up being your favorite whenever Rhett called you it. Only he could make you flustered when it rolled off his tongue. He was your cowboy, you were his Ice Princess.

Making through with his promise, Rhett got up at the ass crack of Dawn the days you were set to go on the ice. Qualifications, team finals, short program, free skate, he was on his couch watching it live. When it came back you were the #3 overall qualifier, Rhett was over the moon. Then he and Amy cheered together when the USA claimed the silver metal in the team. He watched you with beaming eyes on the screen medal yourself and hold it up with pride.

On the day of your free skate, the final segment of the women’s signals skate finals, Rhett held his breath and was on the edge of his seat when you stepped on the ice. The last to perform, becoming a two-time Olympic champion would be down to the four minutes ahead if you. All through the routine he felt that familiar skip in his heart like the first time he saw you. You glided across the ice with ease, like a ballerina on stage. Each twirl, each jump was perfection and you hit every single element, finishing the routine with a grin on your face. You knew right then, as did the small crowd of local spectators and members of team USA as well as Rhett and y’all’s families back home. They were already celebrating with Rhett having tears in his eyes the moment your name came up with the overall total next to the #1 spot.

Rhett never thought he’d find love—especially with someone as amazing as you. You were the definition of perfection, the most dedicated, inspiring, beautiful person he’d ever met and everyday he thanked whoever above to allow him the honor of being your cowboy. When the gold medal was placed around your neck, and you announced the closing of a chapter with retiring from the sport of figure skating, Rhett couldn’t wait to be a part of the next chapter. But no matter what you did on or off the rink, you would always be his Ice Princess.

[navbrain]

too lazy to take a nice picture (didn't even have the wheels back on yet lol) but I dyed my skates! 2nd pic is up close with flash on to get a better view of the color

i like it okay. it's not my favorite, i feel like since they started purple, they just look kinda dark purple now more than burgundy, but that was to be expected tbh. i also ran out of dye and didn't get to do a 2nd coat on the right boot, so it's a lil splotchy in some places lol.

im gonna leave it for now until I've had a chance to skate on them a couple times and then decide how i feel. im leaning toward just dyeing them black but idk yet. honestly, the good thing abt these is i know im gonna upgrade soonish (more ish than soon).

i have a business trip to [redacted] in October and there's a roller skate shop there, so im gonna try on some moxis and sure grip boardwalks so i can figure out what size i am in those bc ordering online scares me too much. prob won't even buy them then, just wanna know my size for when I'm ready to pull the trigger.

im kind of torn between going all out for my next pair and getting a custom build like picking out the plate and boot and everything or just getting smthn standard. maybe we'll see. i kinda don't wanna rush it and just really wear my current skates until they're falling apart first anyway so idk.

[figula]

ok im gonna just talk about it anyway :D

he announced earlier that next year he's gonna push me more, and i was like ? wat? why? and he was like i think we're both undersocialised atm and i was quite annoyed by this and also a bit hurt bc i feel like that's more untrue in the past 6 months thn it's been sice the pandemic (and maybe before - bc most of our friends now are people from discord we ended up becoming irl friends with)

maybe *you* feel undersocialised ben but *i* actually find basically all social activities something to endure rather than enjoy

also don't forget that ana is my soulmate and I feel very happy just hanging out with them and Ben

i feel like he has still this shark feeling of gotta keep moving or ill die :) like he is doing much better than he was from sept-nov but yeah i think he doesnt need to make that an Us problem lol like i dont share that feeling at all lol like if you want to do more things than i do you can do some stuff separately, and some stuff with me! as is normal!

i did feel quite frustratedand annoyed with the way he brought it up , which he did apologise for later bc he agreed we're doing the right things etc and he didnt really mean he wants to push me MORE just that he doesnt want to BACKSLIDE. which is fine i guess but it was a bit annoying to hear anyway bc i am not planningon going intoi a big isolationist hole

like the implication that next year some REAL change is gonna happen and totally ignoring the fact that we got married a few months ago (objectively the biggest social event either of us have ever done), that we hung out with Boops and yuka at an art installation, that we've had clare over a bunch of times, that we've had boops over, that he's done a few irl dnd sessions w/ lucas clare boops, that we've been ice skating a few times, that we've done escape rooms together, that we've done some family trips, we did that ceramics class, we've done a LOT of pokemon walks - all of this in teh past 2 or 3 months apart from the wedding - im just like god damn how much stuff do i have to do to satisfy you lol like i simply dont find the same kind of drive to Do Things that he has and I have still done all this shit REGARDLESS

i was also annoyed i think by the implication that he's the one who needs to push me when actually half of the above shit was my idea!!! the ice skating was me! the wedding was my idea! the escape rooms were my idea! i was the one who restarted teh pokemon go! i was the one who created the server in the first place, where he found his friends!!!! these are all my friends i let him share!!! i was the one who arranged the halloween party w/ boops and clare literally bc he was so sad i wanted to do something nice for him

i do read him charitably - as i legit think is important to do in all relationships with someone you like and respect on a very basic level lol - and i dont think he meant to suggest that im massively inadequate lmfao (i mean - i know he didnt) and he apologised for coming in too hard about stuff, and i know he's traumatised by covid (who isnt?) and is terrified of going back into that tiny world where it was just us and we didnt see anyone else for 2y. but that's not on the cards anyway so i felt a bit wrongfooted by the whole talk

also i was so cross i went mute and under my blankets until he sort of to put it bluntly fucked me back into communication lmfao !! me hissing "im cross with you" while he was actively fucking me </3 looool (this is 100%% fine by the way, just for the record, i was way less annopyed by the sex than the conversation, the sex cheered me up even and it was the right move)

anyway whatever. i think we're actually on the same page in terms of not wanting a particularly quiet 2024 (we're planning on going to Iceland in the winter and also there will be a chess meetup abroad somewhere) so we move. i was just annoyed by how he framed it but he did apologise anyway and i know he didnt really mean anything!! but it was annoying lol like omg I try sooo hard. so fucking hard!!!

ETA: fucking. also. he wasn't even making ANY comment on this stuff and he's fully been my biggest cheerleader lol but I've also been so busy work-wise (my "chess career" is reaching new heights after all) and taking care of him these past few months and doing my doll job as well I think I just want someone to be like omg cham you are actually soooo impressive I'm soooo obsessed with you !!! don't worry you don't need to find anything else inside you you are doing sooooo well!!! (Ben is actually usually like this but I want him to say it now as well) like I've been working on job stuff AS WELL AS doing loads more shit with him lately and I feel like I should get extra credit for that

all this to say that this would be a good time to send me a message with how great you think i am. lol

[samsexualdeancurious]

Baby, Let's Ride (NSFW)

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Words: 1,042

Summary: Y/N is in the driver's seat for this road trip but she's bored.

Warnings: public car sex, unprotected sex, we're going to pretend absolutely no cars are gonna drive down this road for the next thirty-ish minutes lmao

Written for an Angel request

---

You enjoy driving, you really do, but certain parts of the US are definitely less exciting than others and this is one of them. The landscape around you is flat grasslands as far as the eye can see and you’re not going to lie, it’s a bit mind-numbing. Certainly doesn’t help that Bucky Barnes is lounging in your passenger seat with his nose buried in a book Steve loaned him for the trip, one elbow resting on the back of the bench seat with his hand in his hair. The sight is extremely distracting.

Though, to be honest, that might also be because your bored brain has decided now is a perfect time to be more than a little horny.

Bucky is a perfect gentleman, of course, and has kept his hands to himself besides some hand-holding. “Eyes on the road,” he keeps saying and you roll your eyes but obey. The highway is empty now, though, a long stretch of blacktop disappearing into the horizon, and you’re in a mood.

Your top is a comfy button-up, soft wicked fabric that’s perfect for a long day on the road. You shoot a look over at Bucky - his eyes are locked on his book still - and bring your hand up to the top button. You try to be casual about it, scratching at your collarbone before slowly undoing the top button. It’s not until you reach the bottom button and pull your shirt open beneath your seatbelt that Bucky notices, glancing over at you from the top of his book. His eyes go wide.

“What are you doing?”

Your lips curl in a mischievous smirk. “What?”

Bucky opens his mouth to respond but when you unzip the front of your sports bra, all he can do is sputter.

You hum thoughtfully and make sure your seatbelt still sits properly across your chest and shoulder. Your eyes flick from the road to Bucky and back again, and you can’t help a small laugh at his expression. “See something you like?”

The words are punctuated by the glide of your right hand over your breasts, pausing to tweak both nipples, and you can practically hear Bucky’s brain shutting down in response.

Men.

“You’re a tease,” he finally grumbles, hands clutched tight around his book.

You just laugh again and let your hand drift down your belly, your pelvis, to trace one fingertip along the seam of your leggings. Your clit throbs in response. “What’re you going to do about it?”

He makes a low sound, something between a growl and a moan. It sends a shiver of arousal down your spine. “Pull over.”

You lift a playful brow in his direction. “Sergeant Barnes, are you implying that we should have sex on the side of the highway?”

“That’s exactly what I’m implying.”

Your purse your lips, considering this for a moment. A quick glance in your mirrors confirms that there’s no one in sight, so you turn your blinker on.

The shoulder is rough under your tires. As soon as the car is in park, Bucky’s fingers are on your seatbelt buckle and he’s pulling you across the seat for a kiss. His hands skate up your sides beneath your open shirt and find their places on either side of your breasts. His metal hand is cool from the air conditioner and the rub of his thumb over your nipple makes you shiver.

“Such a fucking tease,” he growls as he kisses along the line of your jaw.

“Is it teasing if I plan to follow through?”

Bucky doesn’t respond, digging his teeth into the side of your neck instead. You gasp, head tipped back to give him better access, and one hand flies up to grip lightly at his hair. Not pulling, just holding on. Bucky sucks on the mark he’s made, drawing more blood to the surface. He’s got a nice, dark mark in mind and you know people are going to notice it. The thought stokes the heat in your core.

Once he’s satisfied with the mark he’s left, Bucky continues his path downward. He nibbles at your collarbone, bites lightly along the curve of your left breast, and then skips right over your nipple like a fucking dick. When you voice this complaint, he just laughs and replies with “Is it teasing if I plan to follow through?”

You reward him for that with a shove at his shoulder, prompting a low laugh into the valley between your breasts.

“Lay back, doll,” he purrs, giving you a gentle push to guide you down. “There you go. Gotta be quick. We don’t want someone to come along and interrupt us.”

“Please don’t get us arrested for public indecency,” you laugh.

Bucky’s only response to that is a wink as his fingers creep under the waistband of your leggings.

Your shoes, leggings, and underwear end up somewhere in the passenger-side footwell. Bucky’s lips are soft against your breasts but his stubble is rough. His jeans are the same, rubbing against sensitive skin in multiple places as he settles between your thighs. His metal arm holds him up, elbow braced against the seat above your head, and his flesh hand creeps down over the curve of your pelvis.

“So wet,” he purrs, middle finger bumping over your clit and tracing the edges of your folds. “Do you like showing off in the car? Knowing someone could drive by and see you with your tits out?”

You open your mouth to reply but all that comes out is a moan, a little broken and whiney. Bucky laughs, low and dangerous against your collarbone.

“Gonna fuck you.” His finger dips between your folds, pressing against your entrance but not inside yet. “Leave you dripping my cum all over your panties for the rest of the drive.”

Your pussy clenches in response to those words, something he definitely notices based on his smirk.

“Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

This isn’t what you’d expected when you decide to tease Bucky - and you definitely didn’t expect it to happen on the side of the road - but all you can do as he presses two fingers into your dripping core is spread your legs and hold on for the ride.

—

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—

Team Forever: @mrswhozeewhatsis @manawhaat @books-and-icecream @laughing-at-the-darkness @tumbler-tidbits @emoryhemsworth @imsuperawkward @onethirstyunicorn

[birdmanart]

Hello naughty children it’s OC time! This time, may I present Esmer de Sola, the protagonist of my Pokémon Violet playthrough!

He is a big transmasc dork who ends up befriending Grusha because I Have A Favorite Character and also bc I think it’s cute. He’s originally from Helles, my greece-based fanregion, and actually ends up becoming an ice/flying gym trainer there post-SV!

Transcriptions of the dialogue on images 4-9below the cut!

[Image 4 dialogue:

Grusha: You did pretty good on the slopes. (Thinking: Another gym contestant… well, better get this over with.)

Esmer (off-screen): Oh, thank! It was fun!!

Grusha (thinking): Wait.

Grusha: Did you do the run… dressed like that? Isn’t that the summer uniform?

Esmer: Yeah?

Grusha: … Wait there a moment, I’ll be back. There’s gotta be a coat or something upstairs, dios mio…]

[Image 5 dialogue:

Esmer: PFAH! Wow, I really was cold!

Grusha: You didn’t notice?

Esmer: I’m bad at temperatures. Uncle always had to make me put on stuff at the rink too.

Grusha: The rink?

Esmer: Yeah! My Uncle Cefi— well, technically he’s like a great-uncle or something— he’s a figure skater back in Helles! He taught me loads of stuff!

Grusha: Huh, figure skating… that’s neat. ]

[Image 6 dialogue:

Esmer: See! That’s me! From last year.

Grusha: …

Grusha: So the shorts are just a you thing, then?

Esmer: If you can find a pair of jeans flexible enough for that, go right ahead.]

[Image 7 dialogue:

Esmer: And then— then his eyes glowed just like the crystals, and his voice went all glitchy, and— and— I seriously thought Arven was gonna cry, it was awful.

Grusha: That sounds pretty freaky.

Esmer: It was!]

[Image 8 dialogue:

Grusha: There, I’m off the mountain, what now? Nice place.

Esmer (off-panel): … I promise this was not my intent, but I think now you need to take off your coat. And the gloves, holy shit.

Note in the corner reads: (it’s like 79-80 degrees [fahrenheit] at Esmer’s house)]

[Image 9 dialogue:

Grusha: Ah, what’s under is thermal…

Esmer: I told you I live South! Why would you wear those?

Grusha: I don’t really own much else…

Esmer: Just let me lend you something, jeez! I feel hot just looking at you!

(after a visible change of clothes)

Grusha: No shorts?

Esmer, conspicuously still wearing shorts himself: I do own other clothes, you know.]

[sungbeam]

hi friend as your biggest fan u already know im always gonna hype u up so have my lengthy answers to the ask game:

1. My fav fic of yours - flight risk......im pretty sure its the first fic of yours ive ever read but oh god its SO good erics character and everything abt it ??? Had me feeling butterflies so many times i screamed and yelled into my pillow. Also inspired me a lot in my writing slump and like... i dont wanna be cheesy but helped me mentally bc i read it when i was having a rough time 😭👍 but also PARTY PEOPLE !!!!! so good. SO so good. oh and also the sunwoo hoodie drabble owns my ass i reread it like 5 times already

2. My fav chapter in my fav fic of yours - not my fav fic but the kiss scene in the practice room in off the record ??? slaps

3. The best character youve written for - swing my way eric honestly. so authentic to him imo TT i just adore his character in that fic a whole lot.

6. Something i remember vividly - that scene from flight risk when eric asked sunwoo if he wants to go skate w them and sunwoo goes "no, im down" and eric is like wtf and so sunwoo goes "no, im down. laying down in my bed" or something (the memory is not 100% vivid as u can see) but I legit slapped my knee that was PEAK COMEDY for me

7. Something that made me emotional after reading - that one chapter of somewhere only we know when intak describes how he wishes he could hear his brothers voice sometimes because if he missed him in that way maybe it would hurt less. That whole series is...very personal to me in sense of grief :,)

8. What i like the most about your writing - THE UNIVERSES U CREATE and like. The friendships and the characterization of each character and how theyre all their own person and not just a tool for plot. Also your comedy in fics it always has me giggling

9. A fic im excited for you to post - sangyeons love in unity fic bc i need to know whats up w that secret gf

12. A fic of yours ive reread - hoodie talk LMAO

13. Have i talked to anyone else abt your fics - yes i fangirled to my friend abt u multiple times also we talked abt rhapsody anonymous after it came out 😭👍

YOU. i will actually ksbfkenfkndkfnf 😭 i love u, bar !!! ur support of me has literally been the saving grace to my writing motivation; every time i write something, i always have u in the back of my mind and i wonder what you'd say/react and if you'll like it 🤧

makes me really happy to hear that my writing helped you through a rough time in your life 😔 i wrote party people and flight risk and even hoodie talk during a ,,, emotionally stiff part of my life where i felt super isolated and emotionally constipated, so it's good to know that the feelings i wanted translated *were* translated correctly, if that makes sense

HELLO I LOVE THE PRACTICE ROOM KISS TOO SKFNDKFNJFNF sorry coughs uhm haha def not like biased or anything *looks away*

OMG THAT LINE FROM FLIGHT RISK 💀 i actually thought i was so clever for that one, thank u for mentioning it and sknfkd YAY thank god u found it funny 😭😭 IN GENERAL, the fact that u find me funny at ALL is like ,,, im punching the sky rn im actually celebrating 🤧

ik i prob said this in the reblog of that one chapter of the intak fic, but that series also holds a really tender place in my heart :') grief is one of the things i feel like isn't written abt very much here, and i always seem to leave traces of it wherever i go, so it's nice to know someone can connect to the grief theme </3

thank you thank you thank you for all you've done for me (more than you even know), and for just being so flippin cool :'))) 💖

[macaroni-rascal]

Sorry I'm late with the women's FS review, you-know-which dress took me out, and now I'm also reeling from H/B's WD. Why does god hate me? Anyway, redemption fashuns from many this time around.

Young - a decent dress, very pretty skirt, but I'm wishing away the darker shade at the top. If she's already skating to an autumnal theme, if the soft yellow had continued up and they'd just used rust-colored rhinestones, she would've looked like a leaf changing colors and it would've been light and bright, which she needs rn. One of several kinda stereotypical skating dresses here, but what're ya gonna do. I feel really bad for her because we can see the sadness in her eyes and I wish she'd allow herself to take a break. The Korean ladies already look tired and we know why 😡.

Our poor baby Clare. Her presence here is less reflective of her preparedness and more of her coaches' seemingly pathological need to insert themselves into the conversation at any cost, regardless of whether they have anything to say. A mindless Yuna knockoff with matching styling from 10-15 years ago. Truly random stoning on the dress, and don't even get me started on the back. It's like they fed Yuna programs into ChatGPT and this is what it spat out. If we're doing over-the-boot tights, then why not cover the heel as well? Somebody pull this sweet child out of Colorado because she did incredibly well considering the material she was given.

Seoyeong - massive improvement, beautiful colors, great shading, but again - we've seen this exact dress in a million different iterations. Nevertheless, it doesn't offend me because it follows the lines of the body amazingly and it enhances rather than detract. They might wanna work on opening her shoulders a little bit. Exogenesis is officially overdone.

Hana is so cute! She kinda looks like a blend of Riku Miura and Akiko Suzuki, don't you think? The construction of the dress is good, but the appliques and rhinestone shapes seem truly haphazard. I don't know what the deal with the one red glove is, but I would've put it on the other hand. Kinda random combo of music pieces. A bit of a leg wrap they'll want to address but there were some moments of real sensitivity in this, I'm excited to see how she develops.

Omg Nini again. This could've been a spectacular dress, which is why I was in physical pain watching this. The color is fabulous, I love the lacy shoulder straps and neckline, but everything going on between the bust and the knees is a felony. Why is the bodice so narrow? Why are the side cutouts so big and asymmetrical? Wth is that medallion in the middle of her back? Why the chewed-up skirt? Just imagine if the tan gloves were purple lace matching the dress. I'm livid, I'm filing for emergency custody.

Okay, Katya - possibly the best dress she's ever had, but lbr it's a low bar. Nice colors and ombre, but I wouldn't have slit the sleeves and I would've just had them run to a point over her hands for extra flowiness and sense of extension, since she's itty-bitty. The V in the back and front is well-placed and the flowers I didn't mind since the front needed something, but they're a bit outdated. Not a fan of the opening signature Russian miming, but they're clearly working with her to mature her, it'll just take time. And can we please retire the arms above the head in the jumps? Btw, didn't Brian get a hip replacement, like, yesterday? I didn't expect to see him here at all. I see his tie is from the same fabric as Ilia's FS shirt and for that, he's canceled.

This will again be in two parts out of consideration for those who will have to scroll past my ramblings.

Correct opinions were shared.