#it’s okay it’s so ridiculous it’s funny we are all laughing she is safe

[mcnuggyy]

NOT MY PREGNANT SISTER GETTING HARRASED BY TRUMP SUPPORTERS OUTSIDE OUR OWN HOME HELP???

[pucksandpower]

Bleached

Charles Leclerc x Reader

Summary: Charles’ beard has been looking a bit ginger-ish lately … what better place to talk about it than on a podcast?

Warnings: allusion to 18+ themes

“Okay, I have to ask,” the podcaster leans forward, elbows resting on the small round table between them, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. His voice is friendly, but there’s that unmistakable gleam in his eye that says he’s about to drop something that’ll make the interview go viral. “There’s been some ... speculation. About your, uh, change in appearance recently.”

Charles shifts in his seat, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. He’s relaxed, casual in a gray hoodie and jeans, but there’s a slight tension in the way he holds himself, like he’s been waiting for this question to come up. “Speculation? About what?” His tone is playful, teasing almost, though he knows exactly where this is going.

The podcaster chuckles, scratching his beard as he gathers the right words. “Well, I mean … the ginger beard thing. I’ve had a lot of listeners ask about it. A lot of comments, too. They’re all curious. You know, Charles, your beard’s been, uh, dark for as long as we’ve known you, and now …” he gestures towards Charles’ face, where the once dark brown stubble has turned into a mix of auburn and light copper. It’s subtle, but definitely noticeable. “What’s going on there?”

Charles laughs, but there’s a hint of sheepishness in it. He rubs his jaw, as if the act itself will somehow explain the change. “Ah, well,” he begins, and his eyes flicker to the side, as if contemplating whether he should actually say what he’s about to. “It’s kind of funny, actually.”

“Oh, I’m all ears,” the podcaster says, leaning in even more, his grin widening. “I love a good story.”

Charles glances down for a moment, his fingers tracing the outline of the cup of coffee in front of him, before looking back up. “Okay, so … how do I say this?” He pauses, clearly trying to find the right words, and then he laughs again, softer this time, like he’s laughing at himself. “It’s actually because of Y/N.”

The podcaster raises an eyebrow, leaning back slightly in surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Charles nods, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It’s … her. I mean, not directly, obviously, but … you know, her ... uh, how do I say this without it sounding ... weird?”

“Hey, man, this is a safe space. You can say whatever you want,” the podcaster says, trying to suppress his amusement. “You’ve got my full attention.”

Charles laughs again, a bit more openly this time. “Okay, well, let’s just say it’s ... the result of certain ... activities between us.” He’s clearly embarrassed but trying to make light of it. “You know, when you, uh, go down on someone, and … yeah.”

The podcaster’s eyes widen in realization, and he bursts out laughing, almost doubling over in his chair. “Wait, wait, wait,” he says between gasps for breath. “You’re telling me … your beard is turning ginger because of … her?”

Charles laughs too, but there’s a hint of a blush on his cheeks. “Yeah, I know, it sounds ridiculous. But, uh, yeah. Apparently, her ... uh, juices are, um, acidic? And they’ve been ... bleaching my beard a bit.”

The podcaster is in stitches, shaking his head in disbelief. “Oh my God, that’s ... I don’t even know what to say. That’s amazing.”

“It’s funny, right?” Charles says, his grin widening as he watches the podcaster struggle to contain his laughter. “I didn’t even notice at first, but then it started getting more obvious, and she was like, ‘Uh, Charles, what’s going on with your beard?’”

The podcaster wipes tears from his eyes, still chuckling. “And what did you say? I mean, how do you even have that conversation?”

Charles shrugs, still smiling. “Well, we just laughed about it. I mean, what else can you do? It’s not like it’s a bad thing. It’s just ... one of those weird, funny things that happens when you’re in a relationship.”

“So, she wasn’t freaked out or anything?”

“No, no, she wasn’t freaked out,” Charles says, shaking his head. “She thought it was hilarious. I mean, we both did. It’s just ... it’s one of those things that makes us, you know, us.”

“Man, that’s ... that’s awesome,” the podcaster says, finally calming down a bit. “You know, I’ve heard of some wild stories on this show, but that ... that’s definitely up there.”

“Yeah, it’s not something you hear about every day,” Charles admits with a laugh.

The podcaster leans in again, his expression still one of amusement but with a hint of curiosity now. “Okay, but seriously ... have you looked into this? Like, the science behind it? I mean, can that really happen?”

Charles nods, his expression turning a bit more serious now. “Yeah, I did actually. It turns out that it’s possible. I mean, the pH of ... you know, down there ... can be slightly acidic, and that can have an effect on hair color, especially if there’s prolonged contact. I’m no scientist, but that’s the gist of it from what I’ve read.”

“Wow,” the podcaster says, clearly impressed. “That’s ... honestly, I didn’t even know that could happen.”

“Yeah, neither did I,” Charles says, grinning. “But here we are.”

The podcaster laughs again, shaking his head in disbelief. “Man, I’ve got to say ... Y/N is one lucky girl. And you ... you must be very enthusiastic about, uh, certain activities.”

Charles laughs, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Well, I mean, when you’re with someone you care about ... you want to make them happy, right?”

“Of course, of course,” the podcaster says, nodding in agreement. “But still ... that’s some dedication, man.”

“Hey, if it makes her happy, I’m happy,” Charles says with a shrug, but there’s a genuine warmth in his voice that makes it clear he means it.

The podcaster smiles, clearly touched by the sentiment. “That’s sweet, Charles. Really sweet. I think a lot of people are going to appreciate hearing that.”

“Yeah, well, I hope so,” Charles says, his smile softening. “I mean, relationships are about give and take, right? You have to be willing to do things for each other, even if it’s something small. It’s those little things that make it special.”

The podcaster nods, his expression turning a bit more serious now as he listens to Charles. “You’re right about that. It’s the little things that count.”

“Exactly,” Charles agrees. “And, you know, if that means I have to deal with a bit of a color change in my beard, well, that’s a small price to pay.”

“Definitely,” the podcaster says with a smile. “So, what’s next for you guys? Any big plans?”

Charles leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Honestly, we’re just taking things one day at a time. We’re happy, and that’s what matters. We’re both busy with our careers, but we make time for each other, and that’s important. We’re just ... enjoying being together.”

“That’s great to hear,” the podcaster says, nodding approvingly. “It sounds like you’ve got a good thing going.”

“We do,” Charles says with a smile. “She’s amazing, and I’m lucky to have her.”

The podcaster smiles, clearly touched by the sincerity in Charles’ voice. “Well, I wish you both the best. You seem like a great couple.”

“Thank you,” Charles says, his smile widening. “That means a lot.”

The podcaster grins, clearly pleased with how the interview has gone. “And, uh, just to wrap things up ... any advice for other guys out there? You know, in case they start noticing their beards changing color?”

Charles laughs, shaking his head. “I’d say ... just go with it. Embrace it. It’s a sign that you’re doing something right.”

“Great advice,” the podcaster says with a chuckle. “Well, thanks for sharing that with us, Charles. This has definitely been one of the more ... interesting interviews I’ve done.”

“Happy to be of service,” Charles says with a grin. “Thanks for having me.”

The podcaster smiles, clearly satisfied with the conversation. “Anytime, man. Anytime.”

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

Could you write Eddie and fem!shy!reader having sex and Eddie’s friends hear them and makes jokes about it and reader gets really embarrassed and just sad. Eddie would probably step in and tell them to stop but she would be so embarrassed 😭😭💞

Angst and protective Eddie ❤��

Request by anon ❤️

❤️

All they Jeff planned to do was drop off these figures and then he and Gareth were going to Family Video to rent a movie but judging by Gareth's face something else had held his attention.

"Dude, do you hear that...is that?" The moans that Gareth heard before grow louder and it's unmistakably you and Eddie.

It's also quite clear that the two of you are having sex because the moans grow louder and more frequent.

"We shouldn't be listening to this dude" Jeff pulls Gareth away and the two of them drop the figures off at the door.

It's only when they head back to Jeff's car that they break into laughter.

"Looks like someone's enjoying himself tonight, maybe that means he will go easy on us tomorrow?" Gareth suggests and Jeff smirks then voices something he's also been thinking.

"Who cares dude. This is prime wind up material. Eddie is gonna flip" they drive off still laughing about what is to come tomorrow.

❤️

From the moment you walked into Hellfire something was off. Gareth and Jeff were sniggering about something and there was a small part of you that worried they were laughing at you.

That was ridiculous though right? They were Eddie's friends and they wouldn't do that. Eddie doesn't appear to notice this as he's setting up for the session, you slip in beside him and cuddle into him.

He presses a tender kiss to your forehead and then focuses on his task. Just being near him soothes you and chases away the worries you have about his friends- well until they start laughing again and that same horrible feeling comes back.

Eddie's head snaps up and he glares at them, "What's so funny?" Gareth shrugs.

"Oh nothing, it's just we heard some funny noises coming from your trailer last night. We were dropping off the figures we painted and it sounded pretty wild" Oh shit. Oh no. You wince in humiliation.

You could feel the tears gather In your eyes as some of the guys made whooping noises and waggled their eyebrows. Well all except Dustin, Mike and Lucas who looked grossed out.

Dustin scowls at the older members, "Yeah, real mature dudes" See that right there is why he's your favourite.

"Must have been some night huh? Eddie's been smiling like the Cheshire Cat since then" Grant jokes and Gareth nods.

"Heard all the noises last night and it was definitely good right eds?" He pales at the furious look on Eddie's face and the saddened look on yours and the tears. Now that sobers Gareth up. Ah fuck.

Eddie glares at them all and kisses your forehead. "What the fuck. How dare you make my girl feel embarrassed? You think your stupid jokes are funny?" He hisses and the rest of them stop sniggering.

"It's just a joke dude. We don't mean anything by it" Jeff soothes him but Eddie doesn't listen to this and stands his ground.

"It's making my girl uncomfortable so I have a problem with it. Shut the fuck up. Maybe if you two had partners then you wouldn't act like such buttheads all the time" You tug Eddie's hand and he peers down at you, his gaze full of love and tenderness.

"It's okay Eddie" You don't want him to fall out with his friends over this, Eddie shakes his head and holds you close to him. "It's not okay sweetheart, this is your safe space too and I won't have you the butt of some dumb joke"

Gareth and Jeff murmur apologies which you accept but Eddie is still pissed and maybe that's why he kills off their characters a half an hour into the session.

The message was clear. Never insult or upset his princess.

[natsarrownecklacx]

For When You Feel Alone

Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Word count- 2,031

Summary- An ‘open when you feel alone’ letter written to you from your mom, Wanda.

Warnings- Talking about feeling alone, mentions of almost breaking a leg jumping out a window ( not in a serious way in a funny way ) very fluffy sappy writing. R is referred to as Elizabeth / Ellie in some parts :)

Ngl I think Wanda is the kind of mom we all want :/

ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ

Open When You Feel Alone <3

Dear Elizabeth,

Hey Sweetheart, it’s Mama.

I would like to start this letter off by asking how you are, but if you're reading this, then sadly I already know the answer.

My poor sweet girl, I am so sorry that you are feeling this way. It pains me to even think of you feeling so alone.

Before I get into this, before I go any further I need you to know something, I just need to say it, need you to hear it. I love you so, so very much.

Now, don’t be mad. I know when I asked if you’d like me to write you these letters for when you went off to college, you’d said not to. You told me that you would be okay, that you are a grown up now, that you are strong and independent and can take care of yourself.

I still remember the exact look on your face while you said those words. The pride and confidence behind them really shone through your eyes. I knew then that you were ready to leave home, I could see it in you. You were ready to take that leap and go out into the world, ready to find your place in it.

I know you, sweet girl, I’ve watched you grow up, from the sweetest baby into the most wonderful grown woman you are. I know how capable you are. You’ve worked so hard to get to where you are now and I am so so proud of you, everyday in fact.

That being said, I am still your mother and you will always be my baby. So I hid this letter, along with a few others, in your suitcase before you left.

Which, might I add, was no easy task. The first time I tried to get a few of these letters safely in your suitcase I attempted to pull off an Avengers level stealth mission to try and sneak them in there while you weren’t at home.

I knew what I was doing, suggesting that you take Billy and Tommy out for ice cream. I knew it would give me the time I needed, not only to clean up after your two little brothers but also to get this where I knew it needed to be. What I did not, however, anticipate at all was you coming back so early.

Basically, to make a very long and embarrassing story short, when I heard the front door open and shut, I panicked for absolutely no reason. It was a level ten, metaphorical sirens blaring, palms sweating, hands shaking, type of panic.

Then I heard all three of you coming up the stairs and my cognitive thinking just seemed to evaporate…so I launched myself, head first, out your bedroom window.

Don’t worry, I did catch myself before I hit the floor on that two story drop, in fact I seemed to make it out of the ordeal with little more than a bruised ego. Although, I’m not quite sure if I’ll ever recover from having to explain to your aunt Agatha why I had to make that jump. She laughed so loud all the birds from the trees in the garden all flew away in a hurry. She just couldn’t understand why I panicked so much, honestly neither could I.

But if this helps at all, if I’m right and you find my ridiculous behaviour as funny as I do, in any way, then the almost broken leg and what I’m sure will be years of listening to Agatha tease me is well worth it. Plus, I just wanted you to have this in case you need it, in case you need me.

It was my hope for you, when you were born, that you would always feel how much I love you, no matter how far we are from one another or for how long. Even if we ever had an argument of some sort, you must know I would still love you.

If you're reading this right now then that means I was right to hide this for you, but don’t let that deter you from reading the rest of this letter, mothers (at least when it comes to me and your grandmother) are usually right.

I suppose it’s just this sense that we have, or maybe a hope, that our children will always need us in some way or another and that we will always be there for them.

I’m still here for you Ellie, no matter how far we are from one another, no matter how long we’ve been apart. It doesn’t matter to me what you need me for, something big or small, I don’t care what time it is, if you need me I’ll be there.

I know that if you're reading this, you probably don’t feel like you can pick up the phone and call me to talk about whatever it is that’s bothering you and that's okay.

I wish I could reach out right now and take you into my arms. To hold you, close to my heart, to keep you safe and warm. I wish I could assure you that you are not alone, sweetheart. I will always be with you, as you are with me.

But you deserve to have some time to think things over in your own way, by yourself and then you can come to me when you are ready. But please do come to me Elizabeth. I absolutely hate the thought of you feeling alone, or worse, as if you can’t reach out to me.

I know that you will want to try to figure this out on your own first and that’s okay. Maybe you will, I have every faith in you. Even so, you can still talk to me about it, even when, whatever this is, is all over. I still want to know how you are doing, what’s going on in my child’s lift, the good and bad.

I know it is hard to be away from home, I remember vividly how it felt when I had to leave your grandparents and uncle behind to go away for college.

I know how hard it is to be in a new place, with new people, learning new things. It’s scary and it can be a little overwhelming. It can also feel a little isolating, even when you're surrounded by people. Even when the people you are surrounded by are meant to be your friends…

Before you left we had a conversation about your friends, do you remember that?

I remember how upset you were, how alone you felt from the way they were treating you.

Do you remember what I did when you came to me crying because of it?

I took you into my arms, the way I always do when you're upset, and I held you. You wrapped your arms around me so tightly and cried for what felt like hours.

It’s never easy for a mother to see their child so upset, but I was so relieved that you felt safe enough with me to let yourself feel that way, to just let it all out and know that I had you.

After you were done crying, you explained to me what was going on, you yelled a lot and cried some more. You were so angry and so, so tired, I could see it in your eyes Ellie. I could feel the hurt and loneliness pouring off of you in constant motion. I could see it.

I remember you pacing and pleading with no one and nothing in particular to understand why anyone would treat another person that way, least of all why your friends would do so to you.

I remember watching you go through all of that, I remember how you got more and more worked up, until, eventually, you stopped. Everything in the room stopped, it was as if something in your brain had clicked into place and suddenly, everything you were talking about didn’t seem so big anymore.

You just took one big deep breath in and when you let it go I could see in your eyes that you felt more at peace. The loneliness, frustration and fear for how long those feelings would last, they were all still there, weighing on your mind. All of it. But it wasn’t as heavy because you had shared it with me.

I remember how proud of you I was, because you needed something, you needed me to be there to listen and to make sure you could break down safely. You knew you needed help and you came to me. I was and still am so proud of you for that.

I just wanted to remind you of that, not to upset you further, but to remind you of how important it is to let someone in. To allow someone to help. Even if it means I just sit on the phone and listen to you talk or cry or scream. I can do that. I can be there for you in whatever way you need because I’m your mother and that’s my job.

Even if what you need is for me to get into the car and drive to you, I can do it. You need me to bring your childhood bear with me, just for that bit of extra comfort? I have it ready to go, just in case. You want some of your comfort food, mama cuddles and a movie? Make room for me Ellie because I am on the way.

There isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do for you sweetheart. I hope you know that. I need you to know that.

Right about now you're probably reading this thinking ‘oh wow moms so extra’ or ‘so cringe.’ ( At least that’s what the twins have been saying about me lately.) But what I’m saying is true, Ellie.

I know you well enough to know that, at this point, you are probably on the verge of tears but won’t let yourself cry.

You can cry if you need to, honey. It’s okay to let it out. I know you think you can’t because other people have gone through worse things, survived worse things and so you shouldn’t cry over something you deem as “small.” But there is no measure of pain. If you are upset, or tired, or overwhelmed, or if you simply just feel the need to cry. Let it out. It’s okay to cry.

It doesn’t make you any less capable. It doesn’t mean you are weak. It doesn’t mean you are looking for attention. It doesn’t undo any of the progress you’ve made. It doesn’t mean a single thing, it doesn’t have to.

Plus, it might make you feel better.

Honestly, Ellie I could go on forever and ever about how proud I am of you and how all I want in this world is for you to know how loved you are. How important and special you are. But I know that you don’t have all the time in the world to read as much as I could write about all of that.

So I just want to ask you to do something for me, just to put your mama’s mind at ease.

Please take care of yourself sweetheart. Drink some water. Get yourself something to eat, even if it’s just something small. If you're feeling up to it, go for a shower, I know you hate all the effort and time that goes into it but I also know that you always end up feeling just a little better after words. Put on some comfortable clothes. Try to get some sleep. Do whatever it is you need to do just to get yourself that little bit of comfort you need to make yourself feel better.

I trust you. I know you can handle this. I know you are so fully capable of taking care of yourself. Take things one step at a time, one breath at a time. You’ve got this Ellie.

I love you. Remember that always.

- Mama.

ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ <3 ᗢ

A/n - For the anon who commissioned this fic, I hope you like it love :)

[itsmarsss]

what the fuck? [Reggie Peters x fem!Reader] (Julie & The Phantoms)

(~from the vault~)

You and Reggie have been secretly dating for a while now, and Luke seems to have caught on to that. Who would have taken Luke Patterson for such an observant guy?

Word count: 2,244

Warnings: a few paragraphs of making out I think that’s it

[...]

"What?"

"What a shame your parents don't use their cool-as-hell pool," you pointed out, looking at the sky through your shades.

"Their loss. But you know. There’s kinda no one around," he smirked, a mischievous look in his eyes to accompany whatever implications that came with his comment.

"Huh. That's true. Funny," you kept on, feighing obliviousness.

He flashed that smile that made all the Sunset Curve fangirls melt and swam to you, your faces now inches from each other.

"Hey."

"You’re so stupid," you let out a laugh before closing the space between you, entrailing your arms around his neck before kissing him.

You didn't get to keep on at that for any long before you could hear Reggie's name being called from outside, instinctively making you jerk away from each other. The voice you heard was undoubtedly Luke's.

You all really did have this habit of just randomly showing up at each other’s places.

"Luke?" Reggie yelled back.

"Dude we called you like three times!"

"We're in the pool!"

"Oh sweet!" Luke exclaimed, and you heard the back porch being unlocked. In a few seconds, Luke (and Alex, apparently) were standing above you by the edge of the pool.

"Y/n?" Alex asked, brows furrowed together.

"Hey!"

"Uh why are you here?" Luke asked bluntly.

"Okay rude? I just came by and we decided to go for a swim."

Luke didn't seem to be buying it. "You just came by. For no reason."

"Did you not just do the same thing?"

"She has a point," Alex pointed out.

"Whatever. We’re going in!" With that, Luke took his shirt off in one swift motion, throwing it somewhere behind him on the floor, not caring about where it landed, and jumped into the pool. Alex went for a softer approach, taking his shirt off slowly and putting it on the floor with a safe distance from the pool, so it wouldn't get wet, before stepping in. The difference between them was so loud it was almost comical. 

You smiled to yourself as you watched them interact.

. . .

"Okay, you gotta tell me what’s going on." Luke had cornered you on your way to get changed after a few hours by the pool.

"What do you mean?"

"This was a date right?"

"Uh. This?" You motioned between you and him. "I'm sorry to break it to you, loverboy-"

He rolled his eyes at you. "Stop being funny. You and Reggie dumbass!"

You let out a nervous laugh. "What? No! I just came by! Don't be ridiculous."

"What so you just came by because you were bored or something?"

"Yes."

"And you didn't invite me and Alex because?"

"Oh is that what you're on about, Patterson? Are you sad we didn't invite you to hang out earlier? You and Alex get to hang out just the two of you all the time!"

"Yeah but that's a little different don't you think?"

"Whatever."

"Okay well yes I am a little upset about that but I get it, you know, like I'm not hurt about it."

"So why are you being so annoying about it then?" You questioned, half-joking.

"Why are you wearing Reggie's shirt then?"

"Because I didn’t come here planning on swimming! That's all!"

"Uh-huh. I don’t buy it."

"Well okay." You pushed him aside and walked up to Reggie's guest room, where you'd left your clothes.

. . .

"Bye Reggie!" Alex exclaimed, the last one to bid him goodbye.

Reggie waved in return, smiling.

"Oh wait!" Luke stopped walking, turning back around. "We should do something tomorrow."

"Okay," you agreed.

"Like what?" Alex asked.

"I mean we could go to the movies maybe," Reggie suggested.

You let out a laugh. "Not when I am this broke."

"What? I'll pay."

"For all of us?" Luke inquired, confused.

Reggie went visibly flustered. "No, I don't think I got the money for that."

"We could just go to the beach," Alex offered.

Not a bad idea. "I mean yeah. It’s pretty hot outside."

Luke looked at you with a quirked brow, and you knew it was about you having your arms crossed against your chest because of the night breeze.

You rolled your eyes at him. "You're insufferable you know that? It's hot outside when the sun is out!"

"Fine by me," Reggie shrugged, agreeing.

"Okay. Eight?" Alex asked.

"What? I'm not waking up at eight on a saturday!” You exclaimed in response.

"Why not?"

"That's too early! It’s gotta be at least ten!"

"Oh but that's no fun! We don’t wanna catch the 12AM sun, I don't wanna go home looking like fucking shrimp or something," Luke intervened.

"Fine. But I hate you. You should know that."

He blew you a kiss. "Love you too." 

Alex turned back to you, signaling he wanted to get going. "Okay. Eight AM tomorrow then. Bye Reggie!"

"Bye Reggie!"

"Bye Reggie!"

. . .

"You're really not gonna talk?"

"Ohmygod why are you so persistent about this? I already told you there’s nothing going on!"

"Okay did I miss something?" Right. Alex didn’t know what was going on.

"Well she is hiding something from us And I think it has something to do with Reggie."

"Oh," was all Alex said in return. He looked like he was thinking about something. You didn't ask.

"Well I know there's something and I'm gonna find out what it is."

"Well Sherlock Holmes, be my guest."

"Oh actually can I? Fought with my dad this morning."

"Can’t you go to Alex's?"

"Don’t think Alex wants any more trouble having to do with me."

You frowned in confusion. "They almost catch you together again? I mean if you still want me to pretend to be your-"

"No! I'm just trying to keep things cool. I think uh- I think I'm gonna tell them about it. Soon."

"Oh. Really?"

"Yeah. Just trying to make some money first in case they kick me out."

"They're not gonna kick you out," Luke got himself into the conversation again.

"Can’t really know."

"If they do kick you out, we'll find a way alright?"

Alex grabbed your hand and squeezed it lightly, nodding.

You went back to Luke. "Okay. Fine. But you gotta get in through the window cause my mom's at home tonight."

"Can we eat something? I'm starving."

"Yeah yeah okay, when she's asleep."

. . .

"Are you really not gonna tell me?" You and Luke were both sat on the kitchen counter now eating sandwiches, your mom long gone asleep.

This was getting annoying. Since when did Luke Patterson become so observant?

"Oh my fucking god! I forgot how annoying you can be when you want to."

"Please? I can see the way you look at each other!"

"And how do we look at each other?"

"Like you're in love or something!"

"Are you officially going crazy? Are you doing okay?" You put you hand over his forehand, pretending to take his temperature.

"Just tell me!"

"This isn't a slumber party, Patterson, we’re not braiding each other’s hair and talking about boys."

"We could!"

"Tell me about Alex then!"

"Well what do you wanna know?"

It was pretty obvious he'd thought talking about his own boyfriend would maybe get you to admit there was something going on between you and Reggie, or maybe even just that you had a mere crush on him.

Luke went to bed very annoyed at the fact that talking about his own stuff got him nowhere with you on that topic.

. . .

“You sleep in my room, you eat my food, you annoy the fuck out of me and now you want me to paint your nails?”

“I thought you were my best friend!”

“We’re going to the beach! No one at the beach is gonna care if your nails are painted or not!”

“Ugh, fine! But you’ll paint them when we get back?” Luke pleaded, and you rolled your eyes, making sure he saw it. 

“Fine. But you’re annoying.”

“Gotta have something in my favor.”

You were done packing for the beach day pretty soon, getting on your way to meet by Reggie’s place. Alex was already there when you arrived. 

“It’s almost 9!” Alex exclaimed, and Luke walked up to him, draping an arm around his neck, and you knew him enough to know he was trying to distract him from the fact that he'd been late. Poor Alex, someday the three of you would cause him a heart attack.

“Well Y/N here wouldn’t wake up.”

“Fucking liar? He literally bugged me for twenty minutes about painting his nails and ended up with non-painted nails anyway. Why would you willingly date him?”

Alex laughed. “Trust me that’s something I ask myself everyday.” Luke pinched his cheeks, knowing he was joking. 

“You love me.”

"Yeah, yeah," Alex smiled, blushing.

“Could you guys be cheesy somewhere else?” Reggie asked, only having heard the last part of the whole conversation as he was just now walking outside, eyes promptly squinting because of the sunlight. He went inside the house and came back quickly with shades on.

“You’re just mad you’re single.”

“I’m not s- mad. I’m not mad. Just uh- annoyed.”

Alex looked at Reggie weird. Luke looked at you weird. Neither said anything about any of it, nor about the fact that Reggie, with his already very pale skin, was read all around now, from his cheeks to his ears and all the way to his chest, visible underneath the white tank top he was wearing.

Now, Reggie lived right by the beach, so the way there was really just crossing the street.

You settled yourselves down and stayed there, in silence, as you took the view in for a bit. And then obviously enough time passed so that Luke couldn’t take staying still anymore, sunbathing clearly being too calm of an activity, and he dragged you all to the water.

The water, which was stupidly fucking cold, which got all three of you yelling at him for, to which he just laughed in response.

You all stayed in there for a while, not really doing anything but talking and occasionally starting water fights against each other (with an honorable mention to the one game of chicken that was held also), until it was about 11. By then, you were all really hungry, so you decided to just leave.

Reggie’s parent’s were on a trip, leaving the house to yourselves, and you comfortably got to making lunch. Everyone wanted something different, so you just ended up making everything at once, which got you weird combinations like ramen noodles and tomato soup. Who the fuck eats tomato soup for lunch on a summer day anyway?

When you were done, none of you really had the energy to change, just letting your clothes air-dry as you still wore them. It was a really hot day, to be fair, so it didn’t take long. 

The tiredness of the morning at the beach mixed with being full and the summer heat got all of you to act like you'd just ran a marathon, too lazy to do almost anything.

“You guys wanna write something?” Alex asked, and everyone groaned in protest.

“If we can stand,” Luke pointed out. 

“Come on we haven’t written in days!” Alex said, getting up right away. You didn’t feel like it, but he was right, so you reluctantly did so as well.

“Come on you babies.” You called, as if you weren't gathering every ounce of energy you could to even stand. "Where's the bass?" Reggie lazily pointed to the guest room, and you nodded before getting on your way to grab it.

“Dude.” Luke suddenly sat up as soon as you were gone.

“What?” Reggie asked in return.

“She seems pretty comfortable around here huh?"

“What? So do you.”

“Why are you guys making this so hard? Just say you’re into each other and go out!”

“What?”

“You are into her, aren't you?”

“Uh-”

“Here! Okay no drums but I do think you brought the drumsticks?” Alex confirmed with a nod. “That’s good enough.”

. . .

“Well what did you expect you baby?”

It was the day after you went to the beach, and Luke, who had insisted on staying in the water longer than everyone else, had a cold. Like it always happened.

“Not this?”

Alex rolled his eyes at the weak answer, but couldn’t contain a smile. You couldn’t contain one yourself.

“Whatever. Bobby should be back by now, we should go get him.”

“In this state?” Alex questioned, as if not believing him.

“I’m not that terrible!”

Reggie laughed, patting him on the shoulder as he walked past him on his way to sit by you on the couch. “Yeah man sure.”

“I’m offended!” He grabbed Alex by the wrist, forcing him to stand up from the chair by the dining table. “We’re going.”

“But-” You protested, about to suggest calling Bobby instead of going over.

“You can stay,” Luke said, a smirk forming on his face. 

“What do you mean?”

“We’ll be right back! And you two will talk it out!"

"Talk what out you psycho?"

"You know what!"

With that, they left in a second, leaving you and Reggie puzzled, with the house to yourselves for at least a little while.

Well, Luke had left a lot to interpretation, right?

. . .

“What?” You asked in the midst of your laughter. Whenever you made out with him, you felt was this weird feeling of being completely alone, which sometimes had led you to rather unfortunate events in which you forgot his parents would be coming back home, or that the boys were waiting on you for something and you'd had to make up excuses or find some way to hide in some situations, even, but it's not like you would trade it for anything else.

Right now he was staring at you as you tried to kiss him, and you weren’t getting it.

“You’re just pretty.” You were sitting on the couch, your back pressed to the side of it, your faces inches from each other, your bodies flushed against one another. He had both his hands on your jaw and you had yours around his neck, and this was perfect.

You could feel your cheeks burn. It wasn’t fair, you know? The way he knew just how to do that. And how aware he was of it, too! You could see it on his face, he was very clearly proud of himself for having that kind of effect on you. Who would’ve believed you if you told them, Reggie Peters, sweetest guy you knew, had a thing for getting you flustered. “Shut up.”

He smiled that dumb smile of his. “You know, I think we should tell them.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. They seem to be pretty supportive. And insistent," he added.

You laughed at the last part. “I guess. Fine. When?”

He shrugged. “Soon. Today? When they’re back? I don't know, I don't think it has to be a big deal, right?

You thought about it. “Sure.”

He nodded excitedly in approval before leaning in again.

Kissing Reggie was always sweet, no matter what. You could be making out at full speed, like the world was ending, and you would still feel appreciated. When everything had started you'd wondered if things would start to feel different with him- too different.

But after a while, you supposed it was still the same Reggie, after all.

And right now he was very obviously eager. It usually happened when he got excited about something, like a new riff he wrote and was proud of himself for, or some cool clothes he found, or, well, like right now, you supposed because you’d decided to finally tell your friends you were dating. 

You couldn’t keep yourself from commenting about it.

“You’re eager.”

“You’re hot.” You were always taken aback when he said things like that. Sure, Reggie wasn’t just that sweet innocent childish boy everyone insisted on seeing him as, but it was always odd seeing him get like that. In a good way, obviously. 

He resumed to kissing you, his hand descending to your waist, pulling you even closer. Suddenly, your back was pressed against the couch seat, and he was on top of you, but he was really careful as to not press his full weight on you, as he always was.

You were certain this boy would be the death of you.

You laced your hand to the hair on the back of his head, deepening the kiss even more, and he grabbed your other wrist with his own, pinning it right beside your face before intertwining your fingers with his. It was intimate in its own way with him, and it was hot and it was sweet at the same time and your head felt like it was buzzing, unable to think of anything else, really. Then you could feel his hand move down your waist to one of your thighs and he had the nerve to smirk against your lips when you involuntarily let out a sigh and-

“Okay what the fuck ?”

You were startled by Bobby’s voice, immediately jumping away from each other, ending up at opposite ends of the sofa, both panting, not having realized how out of breath you’d been until you pulled away. At the entrance of the living room stood Luke, Alex and Bobby, who, well- apparently had gotten back from his trip- all looking flustered at the scene they’d just witnessed.

Bobby and Alex were looking anywhere but at you, but Luke was wide-eyed, making direct eye contact with you specifically.

“So you were hiding something from me!”

“Huh. Surprise?” Shit, you were never gonna live this one down, were you?

[solsticeswackstuff]

Shared Embarrassment Is Good for Bonding

An Angela x Reader fic I wrote! No warnings needed :)

The Smosh studio is bustling with activity as the team prepares to film a "You Posted That?" episode. As a new actor, this shoot will serve as an introduction to both the people I'll be working with and the audience.

You feel your skin buzz with excitement while you enter the scene of preparation and general pre-filming chaos. You walk up to your podium and start to feel your heart pound, the bright lights of the studio making everything feel a little more intense. You have watched Smosh for a while and knew how bad these posts could be.

While you are mentally preparing someone catches your eye, Angela is as funny and confident as ever, she has all of the crew in a laughing fit already. She catches your nervous glance and flashes you a reassuring smile.

“First video?” Angela’s words pull you out of your head, You nod, trying not to look too nervous. “Yeah, and I’m already regretting every post I’ve ever made.” At that Angela laughs, a genuine and joyful noise. Angela laughs, the sound is wonderful and light. “Don’t worry. We all have embarrassing posts. Just have fun with it”. Her attitude helps you feel more comfortable, but your nerves are still buzzing. As the cameras start rolling and the hosts pull up your first old post, you brace yourself.

The episode moves along, with the hosts gleefully digging up your most awkward and ridiculous social media moments. You groan as they display an old, borderline scary photo you posted as a teenager, and the room erupts in laughter. Angela joins in on the laughter, but not in a mocking way, more like she understands. Amid her laughter, Angela reaches over and lightly pats your shoulder. “Hey, that’s not so bad. I mean, we’ve all been there, right?”.

The rest of the cast and crew are definitely having a blast poking fun at you, but there’s something special about the way Angela keeps throwing supportive looks your way, you feel like you’re sharing a secret every time.

Eventually, the spotlight shifts to Angela. As they pull up one of her old, silly posts from years ago, you can’t resist teasing her. "Oh wow, Angela! That’s definitely a...bold outfit choice."She grins at you, clearly unbothered by the teasing. “What can I say? I was a trendsetter.”

As more of her posts get revealed, you notice her cheeks turn slightly pink at a particularly goofy selfie from her Instagram. The rest of the cast and crew bursts out laughing, and before you can stop yourself, you lean over and whisper, “Okay, that one’s adorable.”Angela turns toward you, eyes full of surprise with a soft smile playing on her lips. “You think so?” This time when you reply your voice is quieter, yet stern “definitely.”

For a moment, she looks at you, her gaze lingering just a bit longer than expected and you could have sworn her eyes swooped over your lips. The room around you fades into the background, and all you can focus on is the warmth in her eyes and the way her smile makes your heart race.

Once filming wraps, the crew starts packing up, but you and Angela are still sitting on the set, laughing about the ridiculous posts and the chaos of the shoot. Angela nudges you lightly with her elbow, her expression teasing but fond. “How does it feel to survive ‘You Posted That’ and still have your ego intact?” You chuckle, leaning back against the multicolored wall. “Thanks, but I think you won that round. Somehow, you made all your old posts look cool.”

She grins, but then her expression softens as she glances down for a moment, almost shy. “Well, you made it fun. I don’t usually enjoy going through that kind of embarrassing stuff, but… today was different.” There’s a weight to her words that makes your pulse quicken. You meet her gaze, feeling the same shift in the air that happened earlier during the show. “Yeah,” you agree quietly, “it was different. In a good way, I can safely say it was somehow the best and worst shoot I’ve done.”

Angela's eyes flick to your lips for a brief second before she quickly looks away, smiling. "So, do you want to grab something to eat? I know a place nearby. We can celebrate surviving the cringe together." Your heart skips a beat. The invitation feels casual, but there's something more underneath; you can feel the weight of her words once again. You nod, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, that sounds great."

You and Angela end up at a cozy restaurant nearby, Bacari. The conversation flows easily as you talk about the shoot, your favorite sketches, and what it’s like being the new kid at Smosh. You also talk about how you have been a fan of Smosh for a while.

“I still can’t believe some of those posts,” you say, laughing. “I’m never going to live down my teen angst being publicized.” Angela giggles, her hand lightly brushing yours on the table. “Honestly, I think it’s cute. Shows character even if the character was broody.” Her touch sends a shiver through you, and when she doesn’t pull her hand away, neither do you. The soft hum of the restaurant seems to fade as you lock eyes again, the playful banter giving way to something feeling more meaningful than before.

“I’m really glad I joined Smosh,” you say, your voice softer now. “Not just because it’s fun, but… because I got to meet you.” Angela smiles, the look in her eyes can only be described as pure joy, her cheeks flushing slightly, and she squeezes your hand. “I’m glad you joined too. It feels like we’ve known each other longer than just a day.” The conversation slows as you both sit there, hands intertwined across the table, the connection between you deepening with each passing second. There’s no need for words anymore—just the quiet understanding that something special is starting here, something neither of you expected.

As the evening winds down, you walk back toward your cars together, the night air cool but comfortable. You both linger where you spilt, neither wanting to end the night just yet. After a moment Angela blurts out “Same time next week? Maybe we can make this a thing—hanging out after filming.” She stares at you as if Angela wasn’t expecting to speak. You grin, your heart racing for what seems like the millionth time that night. “I’d like that.”

Before you can say anything else, Angela steps closer, her arms wrapping around you in a gentle, lingering hug. You can feel her warmth, the steady beat of her heart, and when she pulls back, her face is close enough that you can feel her breath on your cheek. Without thinking, you lean in just a little, and Angela meets you halfway, her lips brushing against yours in a soft, tentative kiss. The moment feels perfect, it’s slow, sweet, and filled with a warmth that makes your heart swell.

When you finally pull back, Angela’s cheeks are slightly flushed, and she’s smiling in that soft, shy way that makes your stomach flip. “I’m really glad you joined,” she whispers, her forehead resting gently against yours. You grin back, your heart pounding in the best way. “Me too.”

With one last lingering look, Angela squeezes your hand before stepping back. “See you next week,” she says, her voice full of promise. As she walks away, you stand there, grinning like an idiot, already counting the days until you see her again.

[writers-get-biters]

i&... dont know what to do.

my& teacher keeps saying ridiculously saneist things. today he was making jokes about objectum people and ppl who talk to themselves and just saying other very saneist things. we just sat there in horror and hurt.

the worst part is everyone in the room laughed. everyone except us laughed. people we liked, people we wanted to be friends with. they laughed. we knew they would. whenever he says stuff like this, they laugh. but today it was so specific and painful. it hurt more than usual.

we broke down afterwards, crying to our partner but she kind of cut us off and wanted us to take the route home that lets us hang out for a bit because their parents told her to go home. we dont want to go home. home hurts just as bad.

we don't know what to do. we're still hurt and upset and sitting on the dirty sidewalk after getting off of public transportation because we have a tracker on us, so we can't go anywhere that we can't justify in case they notice.

some of us are still crying. some of us are having panic attacks. some of us are trying to figure out what to do. most of us just want someone to save us.

i& don't think we feel safe anywhere. all of our friends except for two or so people are completely okay with this. some of us are worried our anchor finds it funny too.

we don't have anywhere to go. no one we know offline thinks it's that bad here. i&m considering running away because i& don't want us to kill ourselves. we don't have anywhere to go though.

maybe we should bite the bullet. admit to being just as crazy as the people they all make fun of and treat like shit. admit to the voices and the thoughts and the behaviors and the feelings. but i&m scared to get in trouble and be hurt.

i& just want someone to save us or help us or do anything at all to support us in the way the few people who we trust aren't able to.

there's no one coming to help though.

[planet-crait]

Episode 4 has the into again. I’m in heaven. I know I mention the theme song a lot but idk just great the instrumental and singing style. I know it’s probably not technically techno swing but it reminds me of that style and I love that style of music lolz.

Hazel and her dad are so cute goofing off together I love it. It sucks her mom is focused on work and not having fun with her husband and daughter, but again I think it’s part of why Hazel got her fairies having a mom that’s not really present. It’s not as bad as Timmy for sure but it’s still rough on a kid to not have one of their parents be there for them as they should be.

Anyways, Hazel spewing out facts during the tour is so cute, she’s so exited to talk about things she knows about. Lolz the tour guide having a beef with a literal child is just ridiculous and hilarious. Rewatching it’s funny Hazel doesn’t know about the ice cream parade, everyone is talking about it.

Of course Hazel would wish for a dinosaur just it’s so perfect for her lolz. I do love how the pig we saw replaced the Dino in the museum since it wasn’t eaten and instead killed by the meteor.

Also everyone panicking about Barry is funny and makes sense. Oh no Cosmo and Wanda uh oh no Barry knows he’ll die uhh this is going to be messy isn’t it lolz. Do they not care about maintaining the timeline or whatever guys come on lolz. How is a Dino getting a job going to go?

Not well apparently. I do like how Wanda is his agent Wanda is someone who won’t take any nonsense so it works well. Can he not roar because he can speak English now? That would make weird magical sense lolz. WOW uh that’s a rough director lolz. Course I don’t get why he decides he hates the museum job because they have things wrong like wouldn’t that make you want to help teach people about the real history? He sure gives up quick on every job but short run time so I get it.

Lolz I wish we had an ice cream parade lolz that sounds good right about now. I have so many questions though like yes he took down a large chunk of powerline but would it really take out the entire city? And even if it did we clearly see the ice cream trucks and they have their own power to keep their ice cream cool so it would be safe in the trucks?? Why does one assistant have to eat all the ice cream? And did we just…kill someone? Via melted ice cream car crash? Uhh….okay.

Uhh wait wait wait how does the mayor know this was Hazels doing? Wanda was more in conversations about Barry then Hazel so I’m kind of lost on how he knew to blame her besides for the laughs which uh isn’t strictly necessary it just feels their to make Hazel feel even worse then she does.

This Dino electricity scene raises more questions, why didn’t he just pick up the power lines to start? Why wait until now? How long does the stone power last? What happens when the rest of the world learns about Dino electricity?

Umm does the mayor have like security cameras watching everyone at all times? No one was their to see Barry start up the power again. Also if the ice cream melted as quick as the episode said it did, doesn’t make sense but whatever, the power going back on wouldn’t fix that all of the ice cream would be gone so the ice cream electrical parade would still be ruined. Clearly the writers haven’t had to save stuff in freezers when the electricity went out.

So…. Barry’s staying in the present? Thats uh. A choice. Won’t this raise like a thousand questions? Or send people like Crocker into a frenzy thinking magic did this? I don’t get how the shows going to justify this short of pretending it didn’t happen later on and if so why bother with all this?

Episode 4 was weaker than episodes 2 and 3 currently for me. The writing goes all over the place and it’s just kind of a weird one for me. But hey Barry was in the intro so I guess I should have seen some episode like this coming lolz. I think all that’s left in the intro is French fries, a ghost and fish boy. We’ll see which comes up next. Onto episode 5!

[scribblesbyb]

Your Ex-Husband Is a Grim Reaper Pt. 2

Well, as promised a week ago, here's the second part of the prompt for this scenario. Check out part one here.

A/N: I also don't know why this particular prompt is taking a life on its own with the plot unraveling beyond just a quick prompt writing, but here we are. Enjoy!

“Funny story, actually…” he chuckles, picking up his scythe. “Take a seat and let me tell you.”

You sit back down, rolling your eyes. “This better be good.”

He leans on his scythe, his dark eyes gleaming. “It all started after our divorce. I was a mess, T. Didn’t know what to do with myself. One night, I stumbled into this...group.”

“A group?” You raise an eyebrow. “You mean like a cult?”

He chuckles again, nodding. “Yeah, something like that. They promised enlightenment, power, and a way to make amends for past mistakes. It sounded ridiculous, but I was desperate.”

“So, you joined a death cult?” You snort, unable to hold back your laughter. “You always did have a knack for getting yourself into the weirdest situations.”

“Laugh all you want,” he says, a small smile playing on his lips. “But they taught me things, T. Things about life, death, and everything in between. They showed me how to cross the boundaries of the mortal world.”

“Okay, so you joined a cult. And then what? They just handed you a scythe and said, ‘Congrats, you’re a Grim Reaper now’?”

“Not quite,” he says, shaking his head. “It took years of training and a final, ultimate sacrifice. I had to die, T. I had to let go of my human life completely.”

You stare at him, still finding it hard to believe. “And you did all this for me?”

He nods. “Yes. Because I wanted to protect you, to make sure you were safe, even if it meant becoming something else entirely.”

You lean back, taking it all in. “So, what now? You’re here to reap my soul?”

He sighs, looking at you with a mix of sadness and determination. “Yes, but it’s more complicated than that. There are forces at play, things you don’t understand. Your death was...unexpected. There are rules, and your case has drawn attention.”

You feel a chill run down your spine. “What do you mean, unexpected?”

“Someone interfered with your fate, T. Someone powerful. That’s why I was sent. To find out who and why.”

You process his words, a sense of unease settling in. “And what happens to me?”

He looks at you with a serious expression. “I don’t know yet. But I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you’re safe. I promise you that.”

You shake your head, still skeptical. “This is all too much. I just...I don’t know what to think.”

He leans his body forward, his gaze intense. “You don’t have to decide now. Just trust me, T. For once, let me take care of things.”

You look into his eyes, seeing a sincerity you never saw when you were alive. Maybe he has changed. Maybe there’s a chance to understand each other—albiet he had to die for that to happen, but maybe it’ll work this time round. 

But there’s something nagging at you; something you need to confront.

“Alright,” you say, your voice steadying. “But if you’re here to protect me, to watch over me, then tell me who killed me. You know, don’t you?”

“I thought you did too?”

“I know how I died,” you smile cheekily. “I can still hear the baseball bat ramming into my skull,” you add, fist knocking on your empty head playfully. “But I need to know who my killer was.”

His eyes flicker with hesitation. “I don’t think—”

“Don’t think, just tell me!” you snap, shooting up and grabbing his cloak. The fabric feels cool and smooth under your fingers, and you can feel the chill emanating from him. You pull him closer, the space between you shrinking. “I deserve to know.”

He sighs, his eyes searching yours. “Alright. You want the truth? Here it is.” He pauses, taking a deep breath. “It was Rachel.”

Your heart skips a beat. “Rachel? You mean… her?”

He nods, a pained expression crossing his face. “Yes. After I died, she couldn’t let go. She blamed you for everything. For our relationship falling apart, for my death. I could never get over you, you know? And she knew that. She became obsessed with you, convinced that you were the reason for me leaving her behind.”

You feel a mix of anger and fear rising in your chest. “And what did she do?”

“She stalked you, T. She watched you, learned your routines. And then, yesterday, she... she attacked you. It was brutal, vicious. The baseball bat is just what you remember. She wanted to make you suffer, to make you pay for what she believed you did to her.”

You feel your breath catch, the memories of your final moments flooding back. The fear, the pain, the helplessness. You look up at him, your eyes blazing with anger. “And where were you in all this? Mr. I killed myself to protect you?”

He shakes his head, his expression tormented. “I knew, T. I knew she was planning something. I just didn’t think she’d go through with it. And I was assigned to you long before your death. I was there, watching, unable to intervene.”

Your grip tightens on his cloak, pulling him even closer. Your faces are inches apart, and you can feel the coolness of his breath on your skin. “You’re supposed to be the Grim Reaper. Aren’t you supposed to know these things? Aren’t you supposed to stop them?”

He swallows hard, his eyes locked on yours. 

“I’m not omnipotent, T. I have limitations. When Rachel started stalking you, I was aware. I watched over you every moment. But when she attacked... I was forced to stand by and do nothing. Higher powers ordered your death, and I couldn’t defy them.”

You stare at him, anger and disbelief mixing in your gaze. “You watched? You watched her kill me?”

His eyes glisten with unshed tears, his voice breaking. “I did. And it was the most helpless, agonizing thing I’ve ever experienced. I saw her torture you, hurt you in ways I can’t even bear to describe. I tried to intervene, I really did, but every time I got close, I was pushed back by forces beyond my control.”

You feel a pang of empathy, mixed with your own pain and anger. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you warn me?”

“I thought I could protect you in other ways,” he says, his voice trembling. “I thought if I stayed close, I could find a way to stop her without breaking the rules. But I failed, T. I failed you. And as I watched you suffer, I questioned everything. My decision to become a Grim Reaper, my ability to protect you—it all felt pointless.”

You see the raw anguish in his eyes, the regret etched into his features. Despite your anger, you feel a flicker of compassion. “So what now? You make sure she pays, and then what? You go back to being the Grim Reaper?”

He looks at you with a mixture of determination and sorrow. “I’ll make sure she pays for what she did to you. But more than that, I’ll find out who ordered your death and why. I’ll make sure you get the justice you deserve.”

You feel your anger softening, replaced by a weary resolve. “And after that?”

He reaches out, his hand gently touching your cheek. “After that, I don’t know. But I’ll be by your side, T. I promise you that.”

You close your eyes, feeling the cold yet comforting touch of his hand. “You better keep that promise. Because I’m not letting you off the hook that easily.”

He nods, a small, sad smile forming on his lips. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

You take a deep breath, feeling a strange mix of relief and determination. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

As you turn to leave, you feel his hand on your arm, stopping you. You look back, and for a moment, you see the man you once loved, the man you once believed in. His eyes are soft, filled with a sorrow that mirrors your own. 

“Thank you, T. For giving me a chance.”

You pull your arm away, not trusting yourself to speak. Instead, you nod and start walking, feeling his presence close behind you. The journey ahead is uncertain, but for the first time, you feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, you can find some peace—even if it is with your ex-husband turned grim reaper whose psycho ex-girlfriend murdered and tortured you.

[captainpains]

Baby Lothcats (Hardcase x reader)

I'm still going! I think this is the most I've ever posted! For the @clonexreaderbingo. Enjoy this trash for Hardcase ❤️

Prompt: Animal

Warnings: gn reader, intoxication mentioned, animals (injured animals), Def more platonic but kinda like realizing you have a crush,

~~~~~~~~~~~

Your tiny tattoo shop was located right next to the clone bar.

Meaning you got a lot of drunk clientele. 

Obviously, you would turn away those that were too drunk to really be lucid. However, 

You were willing to do tats for the republic's finest, even the more tipsy of them. It was really funny to watch the shinies stumble in and ask for ridiculous tattoos, the start of their individuality. Your favorite ones to do were the meaningful ones, to honor fallen brothers or important moments. You were happy to do it for them…

“Hey! We are closed!” You heard Quint, the only other person in the shop, yell towards the door.

“I need to talk to Tats!” An excited voice that you know well called from the front door.

You put down your stylus, this design could wait until tomorrow, as you stood up to see what the commotion was in the front room. When you entered, you saw Hardcase, a client that slowly became one of your closest friends. He was excitedly standing there, holding a box in his arms.

“Why don’t you headout for the night. I can lock up alone.” You suggested.

The other artist begrudgingly agreed to leave, with a look of discontent shot towards Hardcase as they left the room. 

“Alright, Casey, what is so import-” 

A soft meow came from the box. Then another. Then another. Until a chorus of meows flowed from the box.

“I found ‘em on the way over here. Poor things were just left out there.”

You looked into the box to find three small Lothkittins inside. The little guys had matted fur and were far too skinny to be healthy. All three of them looked up at you with large eyes.

“Oh, the poor things,” you said, reaching your hand into the box. You gently patted one of their heads.

“What do ya think we should do with ‘em?” Hardcase asked.

“Well, we should start by taking them to a vet. There is an emergency animal hospital on the way back to my apartment.”

“Alright! Lead the way Tats.”

—--------

“Okay, it looks like all three of the Lothkittens are in good health.” The vet said. “It’s a very good thing you brought them here, disease is rampant and who knows what these little guys would’ve caught.”

“Thank you so much,” you said to her as she handed you a carrier that held the kittens.

“All is good. Remember to only feed them soft foods for now, kibble is too hard for kittens so young.”

“Got it. Thanks again, doc,” Hardcase waved as you both left.

You walked in silence towards your apartment for a few minutes. It was a nice bonding experience with your friend. Although looking at Hardcase, you felt some sort of admiration in your chest and not the kind you felt around friends. He was a friend that always knew how to cheer you up, and he was very kind. And, had he always looked this handsome? The lights of the street were bright and highlighted Hardcase’s jawline and made his tattoos glow almost.

“So, what are we gonna do with them?” Hardcase asked. “I mean there is no way you could keep all three of them.” 

“No, I’ll probably just keep one. But we can worry about that later. For now, we should just find something to feed these little guys.” You replied.

You made it back to your apartment and managed to find something that the kittens could eat. Hardcase happily played with them while you set up an area for them to sleep and play safely. He was petting them and let one crawl across his back. He was laughing as the little one bapped his head. It was an undeniably sweet moment. You laughed a little as the kitten hopped onto his head. It was so cute. 

You could see yourself getting used to it.

[strawberrykidneystone]

what did you want to be when you were small?

garrus vakarian x oc! mary “bunny” shepard

summary: garrus and mary talk about what they wanted to be when they were little.

a/n: hi i was a ballerina from ages 5-18 so yes this is me projecting myself onto an oc okay thanks bye. also pretend there's a shuttle dock in me2 teehee

tags: ANGSTY but then fluffy, set during ME2, vulnerability, alcohol consumption, dancing

ao3 version

the crunch of the rosin under her pointe shoes.

the speckled dust in the air that looked like snow falling in the sunlight.

the damp skintight leotard and tights that clung to her sweat-ridden skin. her hair tied back into a bun, several bobby-pins stick into her skull.

she could picture it all so clearly.

it’s funny how fast life can change in the blink of an eye.

🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇

“shepard?”

the deep voice of one garrus vakarian pulled her out of her day dream. she shook her head and looked up at him, a small smile tugging on her mouth.

“hi sorry, i was in a land of my own. what’s up?”

“nothing, edi said that you were down here sitting in a corner just staring at a wall and she was concerned.”

shepard huffed and looked up at nowhere in particular, “i’m fine edi, you can stop spying on me.”

“yes commander,” rang out the robotic female voice from the ceiling of the shuttle dock.

shepard rubbed her eyes and garrus sat down next to her, his back leaning against the wall.

“if it helps at all, i brought a little treat,” he said as he held up a bottle of strong alcohol that she didn’t recognize, however, the label said in big lettering that it was safe for any species to consume so she appreciated the thought. she wordlessly held out her hand and garrus handed her bottle silently, wanting her to speak in her own time. she took a big swig from the bottle and couldn’t help but make a face, she cared for the taste of alcohol. she took another big gulp and handed the bottle back to garrus, who took his own drink as well.

“did you know you always wanted to be in c-sec?”

garrus glanced at her with intrigue and looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully for a few moments.

“no. i actually wanted to be a painter for a while but artists aren’t exactly revered in turian society, so it quickly became a pipe dream rather than something i could do in a practical sense. my father was involved in c-sec so it just seemed like the natural thing to follow him.”

shepard nodded solemnly, furrowing her brows and frowning at the thought of how many other turian artists suffered his same fate. garrus took a noticeably longer drink from the bottle after he finished recounting what could’ve been, handing the bottle back to her.

“what about you, did you always want to be a commanding officer?”

she scoffed and shook her head, a sad smile that didn’t reach her eyes washing over her face. she took a small sip from the bottle before cradling it in her arms and looking at garrus with a serious look on her face.

“no but you can’t laugh when i tell you what i wanted to be.”

garrus put a hand on his chest and held up his other as if taking a vow, “turian's honor.”

she nodded, satisfied with his answer.

“i wanted to be a ballerina.”

a silence followed for a few seconds.

shepard squeezed her eyes shut and waited to be ridiculed, but was surprised when she heard nothing but a simple question, “what’s a ballerina?”

oh shit. of course he doesn’t know what a ballerina was, it was a human art form after all. she opened her eyes and picked at the label of the bottle with her nail.

“ballet is a style of dance that’s very graceful, elegant, and precise. someone who does it is called a ballerina. one of the few who get to dance lead roles are called prima ballerinas. that’s what i wanted to be. oh and of course we danced on our toes too.”

garrus nodded along and looked at her with genuine curiosity, “did you do ballet growing up or was it just a pipe dream like mine?”

“oh i was at my ballet studio more than i was in my house most days. i probably would’ve slept there if they let me.”

she giggled to herself at the thought and smiled. it was painful to think about sometimes, but the alcohol was definitely helping her remember the better parts of ballet.

garrus was a little taken aback, she was an awful dancer in clubs so he couldn’t imagine her doing any sort of dance. especially gracefully.

"so you danced.. on your toes? how in the hell did that work?

mary explained how you have to wear specialized shoes in order to actually dance on your toes and how you had to build up ankle strength in order to support your body.

"now i permanently have 2 toe nails missing, they popped off one day and never grew back."

garrus made a face that she was guessing was disgust.

she was right.

"that sounds like torture."

mary smiled nostalgically and sighed in a dreamy manner, "it was sometimes, but it was also beautiful, so it was worth it."

garrus didn't bother asking why she stopped dancing, he already knew. he had read her background, knowing that she came home from dance to find her parents dead. he'd never want to dance again after that either. but he couldn't help but wonder.

"do you still dance now?"

mary scoffed and shook her head, "oh yeah with all the free time i have i've been living it up in the dance studio," she responded sarcastically.

"alright alright, i deserve that."

he took the bottle from her and stood up, reaching a hand down to her, "may i have this dance, commander?"

mary was shocked for a moment, but then a huge smile crept onto her face and she took his hand, "you may."

garrus helped her up to her feet and didn't let go of her hand, placing his other hand on her waist as she placed her hand onto his shoulder.

there was no music playing, just a comfortable silence as the two of them danced a simple waltz in a circle around the bottom of the ship. it was a perfect moment, shepard hadn't had one of those in a while.

why did her chest feel so light whenever she was around him? even just being near him made her feel like everything was okay. why was she blushing from simply being this close to him? it was just a waltz to make her feel better right? nothing else right?

her thoughts were interrupted as she stumbled forward a little, more inebriated than she thought she was. garrus quickly caught her and stopped the two of them in their tracks, "woah there shepard, i've got you."

she looked up at him and smiled genuinely, "i know you do."

a/n: lowkey got emotional writing this, i should take dance classes again </3

[runningfrom2am]

the sea around us; chapter seventeen

In which Rafe Cameron has to choose between his dad and a pogue who's changing his outlook on life more and more every day.

(rafe cameron x f!oc)

(eventual!jj maybank x f!oc)

warnings/tags: violence, drug/alcohol use, smoking, sexual content (if you squint), slowburn, older brother’s best friend, (these tags are obv not exhaustive but regardless it’s pretty PG13)

wc: 1.7k

my masterlist

series masterlist

*:･ﾟ✧*:･

~Rafe's POV~

I haven't heard from Snowy since we came in from the pool together. Pretty much she's been fully occupied with the Pogues ever since. I wonder what they're doing, if she's safe. That's a stupid thought, so I brush it quickly out of my mind. What I can't seem to keep out of my mind is how amazing it felt to kiss her. Everything about her is so soft- her lips are no different. Fully sober and I think it gave me butterflies, I haven't kissed someone like that since I was fifteen. It's almost refreshing.

I try not to think about Snowy for long enough to get in a quick bump. I'm hardly successful. Then I grab my golf club and get ready to line up my shot, but I'm distracted by my friends laughing and talking. "Hey, uh, can you guys shut up, for like three seconds?" I ask, turning back to Topper, Kegs, and Kelce. "We've got to hurry if we want to finish this hole- the sun is setting," I say.

"Yeah, yeah of course." Kelce says, raising his hands.

They're ridiculously quiet at this point, definitely just making fun of me. I line myself up again, take the swing, and fluke it right as I hear one of their phones rings.

"Bro, are you fucking kidding me right now?"

"Hey, man, sorry, how was I supposed to know?" Kegs says, digging his phone out of his pocket.

I roll my eyes and walk back to the cart, throwing my club in as he answers it.

"Hey, Snowy." Instantly he's got my attention, and I turn to watch. He looks confused.

"Snowy? You there?" He asks again, I'm guessing he got no response. "If this is some stupid prank call it's not funny." He pulls it from his ear and puts it on speaker since we're all listening now.

We hear some static, and then some whispers as we look around at each other, confused. "Leon... it's late. I've been waiting for you.."

"What the fuck?" Topper laughs.

"Hey, shh." I shush him as the whispers continue.

"Guys, oh my god what do we do?" It's Snowy, I'd recognize her voice anywhere.

"Snowy?" I ask, but again, no response.

"We have to get down there, like, right now." And Sarah?

Suddenly, we hear some screaming, then the sound of something getting smashed, and then it cuts out.

I feel myself start shaking instantly, and I start pacing back and forth, running my hand through my hair. "Rafe, man, it's fine. They're just pranking Kegs, probably high out of their minds or something." Kelce says and I shake my head.

"Dude, no- you don't understand, you don't know-" I start but I'm cut off.

"I love you, dude, but you're absolutely pussy-whipped." He jokes and I shove him back into the golf cart.

"You don't know shit!" I hear myself shouting.

"Rafe, buddy, calm down, hey.." Kegs says, pulling me off of Kelce and wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I feel sick- I feel sick and I wish no one was touching me. Then I shove him off too.

"No, no... You guys don't know what those pogues have roped her into, I don't even really know but last week she was getting shot at because of that punk JJ, apparently, who's pulled them into some drug debts or some shit-" I try to explain.

"Rafe, they're fine. They're fine but let's just head back to the club, and we can go to John B's to check on them, alright?" Topper says and Kegs shakes his head in confusion.

"Wait, did you say drugs?" He asks and I nod. "Not like weed, right, you mean like hard shit?"

"I don't know, man. She just said "drugs", okay?" I sigh.

"Fuck- dude..." Kegs says, taking his hat off and rubbing his forehead. "What do we do? I've done everything I possibly can to keep her out of that and it's just not enough, apparently."

"Look, maybe it's just Barry and we can talk to him?" I suggest hopefully, not that I fully believe it.  "I- uh... I could get some money from my dad, I know how to get into the safe, and we could pay him out."

"He definitely would have said something to us if my sister and your.. I don't know, friend, as well as your sister and Topper's girl all were involved with him. No way he wouldn't say something." Kegs says, and I know he's right. "And you know we already owe him so we probably shouldn't poke the bear man."

"I... Okay, uh..." I try to think of a plan of action and calm down at the same time. I'm no help to her if I'm panicking. "Let's just get out of here, okay? We'll call Snowy when we get back to the club, and we'll try and find her." I insist, getting in the golf cart and my friends climb in.

The whole drive back I can feel myself shaking, I'm bouncing my leg and just trying to focus on finishing the drink Topper gave me to try and calm me down. It's far from working. I'm literally hearing that screaming in my head over and over again. It just won't stop. We eventually make it back, after the longest drive of my life. As soon as we get to the parking lot I'm on my phone, waiting for Snowy to pick up as I pace next to my car. It rings out until I hear her voice on the machine, I have to try again. I hangup and try again. This time, she answers.

I immediately hear laughter in the background. "Hi Rafe!" She sounds so happy- sloshed, too, probably. I furrow my brows. I assume she leaves, because the background noise slows to a stop.

"Snowy? What happened? Are you okay?" I fire off.

"I- yeah. I'm great. I'm great." She giggles. "What's up with you?"

"No, no, no, no don't do this to me." I sigh, walking away out of earshot of my nosey friends.

"What's wrong?" She asks.

"You don't know? Do you remember when you called Kegs, about twenty minutes ago, screaming, and- and, and I heard this banging sound like someone was bashing you with a crowbar?" I say.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I must have butt-dialled him." She responds casually. I ball up my fist.

"Okay but you're not telling me what happened, here. You're not answering me."

"Nothing happened, Rafe. Everything is fine. We're safe. You don't need to worry." She says, that reassuring tone of hers taking over.

"No, I do, tell me."

"There's nothing to tell, even if there was, I don't know how it's your business anyhow." She slurs. Yeah, definitely drunk.

"If it's you, if it's your safety, it's my business. You are my business, Snowy." I say frustratedly, looking back at my friends as I talk, seeing they're still listening and having a laugh at me.

"Rafe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out, okay? I shouldn't have said that. But I promise you right now, we are fine. I am safe- okay?"

I sigh and rub my head as she continues. "We were watching a movie at The Chat, now we're just hanging out, having some bevies, hotboxing the Twinkie..." She laughs a little. I can't focus with those screams echoing in the back of my head, her screams. And she's trying to gaslight me right now.

"I know what I heard." I say slowly.

"No, I know, I believe you." Her voice is so soft- I can almost taste the sweetness of it in my state. "I just, we were watching a scary movie, and I am high off my ass. I don't know what I said or did, but I'm sorry I scared you."

"It's okay, Snow." I sigh, shaking my hand to loosen up my muscles after I had my fist clenched for so long. I don't want to believe she's lying to me. I mean, clearly she is fine. She's alive, and she sounds like she's having fun. "I just- it's so hard to predict what kind of shit you're getting into when you're with them and it's hard for me to keep track of that and make sure that you're good. Like it would be nice to have a heads up if you're going to be in danger- which seems pretty common for you-"

"Hey, I'm good." Snowy cuts me off, curbing my rant that even I knew wasn't going anywhere. "I get it, you're just like... a proactive type of person. You like to have a hold on things before they go wrong and that's great, I really appreciate you looking out for me."

I nod a little bit and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding with my panic. "Yeah... I guess so. I just like to be prepared, you know?" I agree.

"Totally, and that makes you really smart because a lot of guys around our age can't think ten minutes into the future." I can hear the smile in her tone, she's being so genuine. "That being said, Rafe, I'm okay. Despite what you think, my friends wouldn't let anything happen to me."

I smile a little to myself at that. She thinks I'm smart- this inflates my ego more than I know it probably should. When I don't respond because I'm processing what she said, she speaks again. "Hey, why don't you come over, and we'll take out the boat, just the two of us..." She says, trailing off.

I look back at her brother, already feeling his eyes on me. I know he can't hear her, but I can, and that is too much already.

"I would love to, you know I'd love to, but.. I just can't. I'm busy I can't." I shake my head, more trying to convince myself.

"Aw, okay.." She replies. If I don't hangup right now I'll fold. I just know it. Besides, I have to figure out how to pay Barry so I can get my bike back, like as soon as possible.

"Bye, Snowy. I'll talk to you later." I say before quickly hanging up. I shove my phone into my pocket and walk back over to my friends.

"They're fine." I tell Kegs, getting in my car and driving off before he can say anything.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･

A/N; Another short one today sorryyyyy -R

taglist: @boo22sstuff@madelynie (message me if you want to be added!!)

[trytofic]

Family

I never realized how much family was a big inspo for me lol

Ao3

Day 16: Family

Amy wants Shadow to accept her family as they are getting ready to have one of their own.

Seven months along and with the excitement building, Amy noticed that with their family soon expanding, Shadow hasn’t really become a part of her own family. She knows Shadow and Sonic argue, but they’re her family and they are going to be around each other so much more. With her baby shower coming she knew Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails would be putting everything together, a very sweet gesture that she told them wasn’t necessary, but Amy hoped this would be a time for Sonic and Shadow to bond.

The day of Rouge was helping her decorate, talking to her all about the pretty things she got the baby, and went on and on about what a great aunt she would be. Sonic was grabbing food, Knuckles was bringing in anything heavy and Tails had a small gift he was still working on, at least that’s what he told her. She could see Shadow talking with Knuckles, they surprisingly had a great relationship. She smiled as they joked around and pointed at the different things they either thought were ridiculous or funny to have at a party. It was nice to see them bonding. But she could see Shadow’s quills bristle when a blue flash came into the room.

“Okay! So, I have all our desserts here, plenty of extra cups, oh, and those fruit bowls you like so much Rouge!” Sonic’s arms were covered in bags. He decided why make multiple trips when he could simply do it all at once. Amy shouldn’t be surprised, but she was sure his arms hurt. Knuckles immediately ran over to take several bags away from him and Shadow slowly made his way to do the same. “Is there anything else you guys need?”

“No, I think that’s everything. Thank you, Sonic.” She smiled.

“Yes, thank you for your help today.” Shadow said, refusing to look at the blue hedgehog. She could see Sonic’s jaw drop from surprise but then he laughed it off, like he usually did. 

Shadow whisked Amy away, to somewhere comfortable to sit, knowing her feet were probably killing her. As she got closer to her due date, he tended to fret over her comfort much more. Amy loved the attention; however, she did tell him not to worry, with little to no change. So, she sat and enjoyed being off her feet as Shadow finished setting up. But when the party finally started, he was nowhere to be seen. 

She wanders the room, talking with as many people as she can, all the while looking for the father-to-be. Rouge told her she thought she saw him outside and Amy quickly left to find him. She was surprised when she saw Shadow talking with Sonic and stood back to give them a moment together.

“Shadow, I think you’re worrying too much.” Sonic chuckled. “This is Amy we’re talking about! She’s one of the toughest girls I know!”

“I know… I just worry. I want to make sure she and the baby are safe.”

“And that’s what’s going to make you a great dad!” He patted Shadow's shoulder. “We might not get along all the time, but I know things will go well.”

“We’ve…” Shadow sighed as he tried to collect his thoughts. “We have grown since we first met. And we have been through many different adventures and I… I appreciate all the support you have given Amy and I.” Shadow looked Sonic in the eye and the two hedgehogs shared a smirk. “I’ll still beat you any day of the week though.”

The two chuckled and Amy wandered back inside. Shadow and Sonic getting along was all she wanted. And now she got her family to act more like a family.

[drabbles-mc]

Idle Hands

Pope Heyward x Cleo

For Day 1 of @whumpril 2023: distress call

Warnings: angst, emotional hurt/comfort, vague mentions of events in s3

Word Count: 1.1k

A/N: My first Pope/Cleo fic! I just love them so much. Easing myself back into the whump state of mind with this one. Hope you enjoy!

OBX Taglist: @garbinge @passionatewrites (If you want to be added to any of my taglists, please let me know!)

There was a point, after the first couple of days on the island, that the reality of it all started to sink in. Everyone was making do, and they were all doing a good job of that. In the backs of everyone’s minds, though, was the fact that there was no knowing when they were going to be found. If they were going to be found. Some of them were coping with the state of things better than others.

“You okay?” Cleo asked Pope as she sat down next to him just outside the cave.

Pope nodded, not turning to look at her. He knew that if he looked at her instead of at the sun that was starting to sink down over the horizon, he wouldn’t be able to lie to her.

“I’m good,” he finally said after a few seconds of silent nodding.

Cleo laughed quietly, turning her head so that she was facing him. Just because he wouldn’t look at her, it didn’t mean that she wouldn’t look at him. She lightly bumped her shoulder against his, finally getting him to glance over at her.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Pope,” she told him earnestly. Once she let that statement hang in the air for a moment, a smile broke out across her face. “Besides, you’re no good at it anyway.”

That got Pope to crack a small smile for a moment. It was gone fast though as the serious, worried look reappeared on his face. He shook his head, dropping his face into his hands for a moment as he tried to figure out what to say, how to express his thoughts without sounding ridiculous.

“It’s been a week,” he said slowly, trying to choose his words carefully, “and we haven’t seen anyone, anything pass by. No boats, no planes, nothing.”

“Yea, and?” she said, despite having a good idea of where his train of thought was going.

“That’s a long time to go without seeing anyone.”

She shrugged, dragging her fingertips through the sand. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” he repeated back to her, shock and offense in his voice. “Cleo, how many times in your life have you gone a whole week without seeing people?” He paused and shook his head, but before Cleo could even get the start of her response out, he continued. “Oh, and how many times has that happened to you while you were stranded on some random island with no way to contact anyone and no one except some of the worst people in the world knew what happened to you?”

Cleo was trying to bite back a smile. It wasn’t that she found his anger or fear funny, but there was something so theatrical sometimes about the way he expressed himself. She’d noticed that about all of the pogues in different moments—it was hard not to smile about it.

“I can’t say that it’s ever happened to me before.”

He threw his hands in exasperation. “Exactly.”

“So, tell me, Pope, what’s all this worrying doin’ for you?”

“How are you not worried?” he countered.

“I am!” she said with a laugh. “I am. But staying up, pullin’ my hair out about it, isn’t going to help anyone.”

“Am I supposed to just pretend that I’m not freaking out over the possibility of us never getting off this island?”

She shook her head. “No. But also,” she bumped his shoulder again, “there’s no point in drownin’ yourself in those thoughts all the time. Take a break from it. Or do something productive with it.”

“I did,” he replied immediately.

“Did what?” She was using her knife to draw in the sand now.

“I did something productive with it.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “Of course you did.” She looked over at him. “What’d you do, then, Gray Pipe?”

He gestured back towards the cave. “I got all our flares stored safely somewhere dry, somewhere that JJ won’t find them.” They both chuckled at that. “And, on the upper side of the island, I got a bunch of wood all set up for a smoke signal if we see a boat or a plane going by.”

She nodded, clearly impressed. “When’d you sneak off to do all that?”

“I didn’t sneak.”

“Right, right.” Tucking her knife away, she leaned back so she was resting on the palms of her hands.

“So now what am I supposed to do?”

Cleo shrugged. “Wait. Try to enjoy the island paradise while you got it.” She saw the look on his face and she could tell that he wasn’t buying it. “Don’t worry, Pope, you’ll be able to make your distress call soon enough. Just make it count, yea? Don’t wanna burn through all the wood on the island.”

He chuckled quietly at that. “I won’t.” There was a long stretch of silence between them before he finally said, “I wonder what my parents are doing.”

There it was. Cleo’s eyes dropped to the sand beneath their feet for a moment before she looked back out at the ocean. The sun was almost gone now, colors of the sky starting to give way to darkness. She couldn’t remember the last time she wondered about her family, or anyone really. It seemed like at this point, most of the pogues were more or less in the same both with her on that. No one really had families that they could go back to, or wanted to go back to. Except Pope. He was lucky for that.

“Probably wondering about what you’re doing,” she told him honestly.

“I need to see them again, Cleo. I need to get home to them.”

There was a small ache in her chest as she listened to him, heard the desperation and pain in his voice. Most days she was thankful that she didn’t have anyone to miss like that, no one with that kind of hold on her. In that moment, though, even if she would never tell anyone, she wished that she had someone out there wondering about her.

She cleared her throat, making sure no extra emotion crept in. Reaching over, she rested her hand on top of his as she said, “You will—you’re gonna make it home.”

He looked down for a second where their hands rested together, but neither of them moved or commented on it. “Thank you,” he finally told her.

“’Course.” She flashed him a smile, trying to lighten the heavy mood that was settling over the both of them. “Can’t have the brains around here flying off the deep end, can I?”

Pope laughed, shaking his head as the sad look in his eyes slowly started to face. “Can’t have that.”

[camillemontespan]

the memory of us [drake & camille AU]

@katedrakeohd​ @jovialyouthmusic​ @gardeningourmet​ @kingliam2019​ @saivilo​ @walkerswhiskeygirl​ @sophxwithers​ A/N: I was watching The Vow earlier..

Camille gently pulled Lily’s fluffy pink sweater over her head. As the little girl pulled her arms through, her hair became static and stood up to attention.

‘Look at your hair!’ Camille cried, giving Lily a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. 

Lily looked in the mirror and laughed, pressing her hand against the static hair. ‘I look so funny!’

Now that the sweater was on, all that was left was to zip up Lily’s denim skirt and pull her pink boots on. Lily loved pink. 

‘Okay, we’re nearly ready,’ Camille told her. ‘Now go say goodbye to daddy- he’s going to pick you up from school later.’

Lily grinned and bolted down the corridor to find her father. Camille smiled and looked at herself in the mirror; she looked prepared for the meeting later with Liam. With her hair pulled up into a chignon, she was wearing a white cashmere sweater paired with black trousers and nude Manolo heels. 

She looked like a different person from the Camille of five years ago. Not that she minded; she wouldn’t trade this new life for anything. Drake, Lily and Luna were her world. 

Camille grabbed her trench coat and walked quickly down the corridor towards the kitchen where Lily was telling Drake all about her dream last night. Luna was sitting in her high chair, eyeing the banana Drake was trying to get her to eat warily. 

‘Lils, it’s time to go,’ Camille called. 

‘Give me a hug, kiddo,’ Drake said, abandoning the spoon with the banana and crouching down to give his daughter a hug. ‘Make good choices.’

Lily snuggled into him. Drake was, in her opinion, the best dad in the whole world.

Camille pressed a kiss on top of Luna’s forehead, smiling as Luna gurgled. She felt Drake take her hand and she turned to kiss him.

‘And you,’ he murmured against her mouth, ‘you should also make good choices.’

Camille felt herself blush. How did Drake still manage to make her blush even after five years? How did he manage to still have this effect on her?

‘I’ll be home by five,’ she told him, breaking away. 

‘Spaghetti at six,’ Drake replied, settling down to attempt to feed Luna again. 

Camille gave him another quick kiss on the cheek. ‘Love you,’ she whispered, before taking hold of Lily’s hand and rushing her out the kitchen. She had realised that despite being organised this morning, time had run away with her and she was going to be late dropping Lily to school. 

With her handbag in one hand and Lily’s backpack and favourite teddy bear in the other, she followed Lily outside to the car. 

‘So, shall we listen to Taylor Swift or Harry Styles this morning?’ Camille asked, quickly strapping Lily in. 

Lily thought about it for a moment, her eyebrows furrowing in concentration. 

‘Harry!’ she finally decided, giving Camille a happy smile. 

****************

Camille dropped Lily off at school with Harry Styles blaring from the car speakers. Some of the parents turned to look but Camille didn’t care. Whenever she drove - and that wasn’t often because she was a reckless driver, which was severely at odds with her usual careful and calm personality- she always had the music on loud. 

Once Lily was safely in the building, Camille drove through the busy streets towards the palace. As the Duchess of Valtoria, Camille had monthly meetings with King Liam to discuss her duchy. If Camille thought about it too much, she would freak out realising just how much her life had changed in five years. From being a waitress in New York to a Duchess in a tiny European country, married with two kids.. It was ridiculous.

But she wouldn’t change it. 

She eyed the clock and could see she was running late. She had five minutes to get the palace and it was currently fifteen minutes away. 

Shit..

She accelerated quicker and could see that the amber light just ahead was about to turn red. Her foot pressed down harder but the amber light still turned red.

Camille kept driving, thinking she could easily make it.

It was an ill-judged decision. 

The car that had been granted right of way drove straight into Camille’s side of the car. Brakes were applied, glass smashed and Camille’s head bore the impact. 

***************************

‘The Duchess of Valtoria has been involved in a car accident early this morning….’

‘...currently in hospital receiving treatment…’

‘Her husband is refusing to speak to reporters…’

Camille’s vision was blurred. There was a pounding pain in the side of her head. She felt like she had been run over. 

‘Please, Your Grace, please calm down-’

‘I will not calm down-’

Camille tried to blink, wanting her vision to go back to normal. She could make out bright lights above her and shadowy figures, one of them gesturing wildly. 

‘Turn this shit off, we don’t need to hear this shit-’

The sounds of other voices were quieted and only two remained near Camille.

‘Your Grace, please just listen to me-’

Camille groaned and the voice broke off. She could feel someone take her hand. Calloused fingers. Big, warm palms. Comforting hands. 

‘Camille?’

‘Uggnnhghhh…’ she groaned.

Her eyes adjusted and she could now see clearly. 

**************************

Drake’s heart was pounding in his chest as he stared down at his wife. There was a horrible purple bruise on her forehead and a long red gash. She looked pretty banged up; not surprising considering the other car that had crashed into her side. 

She blinked slowly and was now looking at him groggily. 

‘Camille!’ he breathed. ‘Oh thank god you’re awake, thank god..’

He leaned down to bring her hand up to his mouth and he pressed an urgent kiss on her clenched fist. ‘I thought you’d died, I heard about it on the news first’-

‘Your Grace..’

‘But you’re okay, you’re safe!’ he couldn’t stop talking. Since he saw the news headlines flash on the TV, he thought his world had ended.

‘Your Grace..’

The doctor’s voice was like a warning.

Drake stopped talking and turned to look at Doctor Santiago. She was looking at Camille with concern. 

Drake looked back down at his wife to see her staring at him looking terrified.

‘Who are you?’ she croaked.

And that was when Drake’s world ended. 

[mazegays]

could've followed my fears all the way down

Chapter 13

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

“What do you think he and Gally do all day?” Harriet asks.

“Gossip. I tell them everything, and they find drama in all of it. I don’t know how.” 

Well, almost everything.

He still doesn’t know what’s going on with Rosa and Frankie, but maybe it was a one-off thing. Not something anyone else needs to know about.

And he’s been avoiding bringing up what they said, before the storm hit. He doesn’t want to be the one to bring it up first.

“You’re kidding.”

“No. It makes sense, I think. They were both in charge in the Glade, at least in part, and knew a lot of what went on. They’re still partially in charge here, but there are also adults who don’t want to listen to teenagers telling them what to do.” He reconsiders for a moment. “Actually, they might be doing it to make me laugh.”

“You, laughing?” Harriet teases. It’s an old joke, but they all like to keep using it. “They like you, Thomas, of course they want you to be happy and laughing.”

Thomas decides not to point out that laughter isn’t always happy.

Rosa doesn’t pull him aside today, so he writes off yesterday’s… meeting as being overly-concerned. It’s the first time he’s come off a run with such a visible bruise, and it’s not like Rosa knows him as well as the others do.

“So, how is Gally taking being stuck in bed all day?” Sonya already has an empty chair for him.

“I think he might be more sympathetic when I inevitably get stuck in bed again.”

“Sounds like it. Have you talked to them much lately? Not just on your runs, or like, filling them in, stick.”

“No.”

“It was harder to tell when you hadn’t slept in a week, but it’s easier now, especially when you’re coming back with Minho.” She says it offhandedly, like she’s not trying to be direct. The problem with that is that Thomas has no idea what she’s talking about. It was harder to tell that he wasn’t talking to them when he hadn’t slept? What does she mean?

“I think I’ve seen you accept more touches from him this week than everyone else combined the whole time here.”

It’s an exaggeration, but she’s not entirely wrong. He shrugs. “That’s just cause you never slept in our cabin. Most nights, Minho and I shoved our beds together. Helps with nightmares. And I felt bad about kicking Gally out of his bed, so we just ended up sharing.”

Sonya stares at him for a long minute, then doubles over laughing.

“Okay, I so won.”

“Won what?” What did he say that’s so funny?

“Don’t worry about it, Thomas. You just— reminded me of something, I guess.” He can read her hesitation as something she doesn’t want to tell him, but what?

What would she have won? About him, apparently? Maybe Gally and Minho, too.

A bet?

They’re not that interesting.

“Talk to them, okay? It doesn’t have to be today, maybe not even until Gally’s moved back into his cabin or something, or at least can leave the medical cabin.”

“I will.” Have Minho or Gally told Harriet what they said? Does Sonya know? What isn’t she telling him?

He doesn’t like this conversation, he has no idea what’s going on. But he doesn’t think Sonya would tell him, even if he asked directly.

“Do you think Fry will make more jam?”

“Depending on how much we have, yeah. Either that or we’ve got to find a way to keep them cold. We have electricity, but no fridges or freezers.”

“Thanks, WCKD! Send us here, and then we all die of food poisoning when we can’t keep our food long-term safely!” Straightface, completely deadpan. If Thomas didn’t know Sonya, he might think she was being serious. 

It’s so ridiculous that they spend a few minutes laughing, stopping, and then looking at each other again and starting all over.

“Okay, okay, we have to work before we get in trouble.”

“Sonya, you’re in charge of the greenhouse.”

“Before you get in trouble, then.” She throws a strawberry at him, and he catches it in his mouth. “Oh, come on, stick. That hadn’t even been washed yet!”

“Pretty sure if facefuls of sand in the Scorch didn’t hurt me, a little dirt on a strawberry won’t matter.”

“How did you not die? Like, were you just lucky enough to not be allergic to anything?”

“Hey, I’m allergic to one thing!”

“That we know of. Probably more. And I will find them.”

“I don’t know if you should sound excited about that.”

“Not to kill you, I could do that in much less time than it will take to find out if you’re allergic to things.”

“Sure you could. But an allergic reaction turned deadly means you’re not the first murderer in Paradise.” He’s pretty sure everyone here has killed, but in Paradise it’s different.

“Oh, shut up.”

“Just saying, shank.”

“That still sounds weird when you say it. Go get Minho, he says a made up word better than you do.”

“All words are made up. Language is fake.”

“You’re impossible.”

“Clearly not, because I’m right here.”

“Harriet, my lovely, lovely girlfriend, come save me from this stick.”

“What is she trying to do now, Thomas?” Harriet asks, clearly amused.

“Murder me via unknown allergies.”

“Sounds like her. I’ve been instructed to make you two come eat lunch, so I will drag you if I have to.”

“Walking sounds fine, thanks.” Thomas accepts her hand up and shakes out his shirt a little.

“Harriet, will you carry me?”

“No, Sonya, but I will drag you.”

“You’re so mean to me.”

“That’s why I’m your favorite.” Sonya fake-pouts when Harriet turns away, but quickly catches up to them.

“You going to see Minho and Gally for lunch? I think Gally misses you. Minho’s gotten all of your attention lately.”

“Probably, now that you mention it.”

And he’ll ask Anya when Gally can leave with assistance.

He’s been putting this off for going on three weeks now, and it’s not a conversation to be had in the medical cabin.

finish on ao3 or continue reading

“He’s been okay, Minho?” Gally asks quietly, as Anya leaves. Thomas hasn’t said anything about their joint confession.

“Yes, he’s okay. Twisted his ankle a little today, but he’s fine.” Minho rolls his eyes and shoves at his good leg. 

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“He hasn’t said anything, Gally. I don’t if he remembers, or if he’s even thought about it. Harriet said it was pretty crazy after Thomas came to get Anya. Either way, we don’t need to talk about it with him in here.”

“Why not?”

“You really want to have a feelings talk in the medical cabin?” Well, he has a point, but Gally doesn’t have to tell him that.

“What do we do then?”

“We wait. Until you’re cleared to go outside. Find somewhere private and talk about it. Not that hard.”

“Because that worked so well the first time.”

“The tree falling was an accident, no one could have predicted that.”

“Minho, has he said if he blames himself at all?”

“No. He wouldn’t tell us that anyway, you know that.”

“I know. How was your run otherwise?”

“More of a jog, and it was pretty good. I haven’t run daily since we were in the Glade. Not like this, anyway.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing.” Gally says. “Maybe we all need to stop comparing everything to the Glade.”

“Jamie tell you that?”

“She did, actually.” Minho settles back on his bed, and the way he’s holding himself tells Gally his ribs are bothering him.

Gally’s gotten pretty good at reading Minho while they’ve been here.

How has Thomas been missing these cues for years? After two weeks of paying attention, it’s clear.

Gally has the advantage of already knowing, though. If they ask Anya, she might not have noticed.

(There’s no way Sonya and Harriet haven’t noticed. He’s surprised the teasing hasn’t already started.)

“Anything interesting happen that I should know about?”

“No. It’s all very boring and normal. Routine.” They look at each other, and Gally feels himself mirror Minho’s upturned lips.

“Just like the Glade.” It’s not nearly as funny as they make it seem, but laughing about it feels better than crying about it.

“How many do you think actually made it?” Minho asks. “Obviously you weren’t actually dead. Do you think anyone else could have…”

The boys they saw torn about by Grievers, no. The ones who stayed behind, maybe. Gally hadn’t seen them after WCKD had separated them.

“I think that’s something we’ll just never have the answer to.” He settles on. “We can’t live on those what-ifs, Minho.”

“I know. I just think about it sometimes.”

Like Thomas’s ‘just sometimes’ thinking about everyone who died, or actual ‘just sometimes’?

They are very different things. Minho’s eyes are closed, though, and it seems like he’s done talking.

Gally leaves it.

He’s got a lot of practice in that, these days.

If he were still the hothead that he’d been in the Glade, he probably wouldn’t have made it out of Denver alive; a kid with too many anger issues would hardly have been useful to the Right Arm.

He’s not looking to go back to being that kid again, ever, but sometimes he wishes he could find at least a little bit of the old Gally’s fire again.