#joe knows his milkshakes

[hersweetrevenge]

favourite hardy boys moment of all time is joe being like "this milkshake fucking sucks, make me a new one" while george-as-frank is literally like "excuse me ?? 😒"

[heavyhitterheaux]

I Gotta Be

See Me Through You Series

I gotta be the one you touch

And baby, I gotta be the one you love

I gotta be the one you feel

And I gotta be the one to fill your life with sunshine

I gotta be the one you know

'Cause I will always love you so

I gotta be the one you need

I'm just telling you that I gotta be

Synopsis: Your feelings have grown for Joe, and you aren't quite sure that you can suppress them any longer

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The thoughts running through your mind all went back to what had happened on Sunday between you and Joe. After he had dropped you off at your apartment, Justin came and got him in order to take him back to his. He also made sure that you had gotten into your apartment safely before leaving, as bad as he didn’t want to.

The night proved to be restless with you hardly getting any sleep because of the pain in your wrist and the fact that your mind kept going back to Joe and what he had asked you. Plenty of times, you found yourself opening the text thread between the two of you and typing a message, erasing it, and typing again. You thought getting out of the bed and taking another shower would help you fall asleep easier, but it didn’t happen.

By the morning, you hadn't sent him anything and continued to wrestle with your thoughts. The opportunity was right in front of you, and at this point the ball was in your court.

Joe was a kind, sweet, and thoughtful person who had the looks to go right along with his personality. He could also be a little shy at times, but when it came to you, all of it went out the window. And you knew for a fact that he would show you how you deserved to be treated.

On the other hand, you didn't know where you and Trevor had gone so wrong so fast. He was the person that you had always wanted to be around all of the time and now you found yourself avoiding him.

But you were willing to give him one last chance to do right by you and you were praying that you didn't regret it.

It was now Wednesday and the texts from Joe that he had sent to check on you had gone unanswered since Monday.

Joey- Princess, just checking on you. How does your wrist feel?

Joey- Are we still going to have our study session later? Dinner is on me.

Joey- Y/N, did something happen? Why aren't you answering me?

Joey- I can't fix it if you don't tell me what's wrong

You had been staring at them for the past two days not knowing what to say. Yes, the answers to his questions were simple. But what was not so simple was giving him an answer about what he had asked you Sunday,

“Y/N, I know you like me and I like you. I’ve made that obvious time and time again. You literally spend more time with me than your actual boyfriend and you even just told me yourself less than thirty minutes ago how happy you always are around me. Why don’t you just let me in? What are you afraid of?”

After he had asked you that question, the two of you had been silent with both of you sipping on your milkshakes and an occasional glance out the window by you.

Joe knew that he had to be the one to break it.

“You don't have to answer me right now, but I am curious to know when you finally come up with the answer.” He told you as he grabbed your hand and rubbed small circles on the back of it.

“I can give you the short answer now.” You quietly said as you turned to look at him.

“And what's that?”

“I honestly don't know what I'm so afraid of.”

You had laid down in your apartment the majority of the day which also meant that you had skipped out on going to your classes. You sent a quick text to Erin needing someone to talk to so you could get her opinion on the situation that happened but knew for a fact that she was team Joe all the way just like everyone else was.

And you couldn't blame her.

You- Bestie, I need you. Bring food. I haven't eaten all day. :(

Erin- Say less. On my way. But I should beat your ass because you know better.

You- Leave me alone, I'm having a crisis.

Erin- And it's probably an easy solution to fix it. But your hard headed ass wants to take the difficult route.

You- 🙄

When Erin was downstairs in the parking lot, she sent you another text to tell you to have the door open for her. Once you opened it, you went and sat back down on the couch while you patiently waited to see her.

Less than five minutes later, she came through the door with McDonald's which was one of your guilty pleasures when you were feeling down and seeing as Erin was your best friend, she had your order memorized.

Setting it down in front of you, Erin stole a fry before hugging you and then sitting down herself.

“Spill it. Because I know for a fact that you didn’t call me over here for nothing.”

“Joey almost fought Trevor.” You responded as you opened your dipping sauce for your chicken nuggets while Erin’s eyes went wide.

“Oh shit. Bitch, I gotta hear this. Joe should have beat his ass into next week. Should have just let him do it.”

“You're not eating?” You asked as you peeked in the bag to only see one meal and ignored her last statement, even though you low key agreed with her.

“No, I already ate. Now tell the story and start from the beginning.” She told you as she got comfortable.

“I was studying Sunday night and ignored multiple phone calls from Trevor because he had pissed me off and we had gotten into an argument. Joe then sent me a text asking to see me and that there was a party not too far from here. Took a little bit of convincing but I did. So I get there and Joe meets me outside so that I don't have to walk in by myself. A few hours go by, we're vibing, playing beer pong when none other than my beloved boyfriend Trevor who is obviously already drunk decides to come through the door. By this time, I'm by myself and he comes over to me demanding to talk and talking a whole bunch of shit. He grabs my wrist and I'm trying to get away from him when Joe comes out of nowhere.”

“Ah shit, here we go. He's not about to let anyone mess with his princess.”

“Shut up. Moving on, he asks me if I'm okay and this of course sets Trevor off and they're arguing. Keep in mind he has yet to let go of my arm and then Trevor pushed him. He finally did let go and the shit was red. Joe barely moved an inch and as soon as he was about to punch him, he pushed me out the way but Ja'Marr and Justin came. Ja'Marr was trying to calm him down telling him it's not worth it while Justin was holding back Trevor.”

“Not two men fighting over you. I want to be you when I grow up.”

“They made him leave, Joe got ice for my wrist and offered to drive me home. We stopped and got ice cream and…” You trailed off as you smiled thinking about the conversation that you two had.

“AND? Bitch don't leave me in suspense!”

“He said that he knows that I like him as much as he likes me and that he doesn't understand what I'm so afraid of and to let him in.”

“Then yall fucked and you broke up with Trevor. The end.” Erin said as she smiled at you.

“NO, ERIN!”

“I don't know what you two are waiting on. Being around you two and the way you interact and look at one another, I'm convinced that you are undressing Joe with your eyes.” She said while shrugging and stole another fry.

“Uh? Because I have a boyfriend.”

“Who treats you like absolute shit, but go on my good sis. Tell me more.”

“He's been texting me and I've been ignoring them because I don't know what to say.”

“Your dumbass is always stressing me out. Didn't I say there is probably an easy solution but you like to make things so much more complicated?”

“I just have a lot of feelings, okay!?!”

“Your heart belongs to Joe Burrow and for the life of me I cannot understand your thought process of why you don't see it. You applied here to be with Trevor not knowing that you were going to meet the person that you're supposed to be with. Let that man love you. Shit, he already does.”

“Trevor is not the person all of you keep making him out to be. I promise. It just seems like he's going through something right now.”

“If that's the case, he's been going through something since the two of you got together. But I can't tell you what to do. I can just give you advice as your best friend. So here it is.”

“What?”

“My advice.”

“Yes, I know. You said that. What is it?” You asked as you took another bite of one of your nuggets.

“Joe wants you to have his babies so let him. And I'm still planning the wedding. Are you wearing white or off-white? Only saying this because I love you and I care.”

“He has to become my boyfriend first before we even get to that point.”

“He's waiting for you, boo. Ball is in your court.”

–

Joe was currently staring at his phone at the unanswered messages that he had sent you over the past few days hoping that you would respond and hopefully give him an explanation as to why you hadn't said anything to him.

He couldn't understand for the life of him why you were ignoring him and was going over every possible scenario in his head about what had happened on Sunday. Nothing happened that would make him think that you wouldn't want to talk to him so he was at a loss.

The fear that he saw in your eyes as he approached your boyfriend from behind was something that he never wanted to see again and knew that would only happen if you willingly broke up with him. He didn't know what you saw in him, but if there is any truth to first impressions, Trevor was the worst that it could possibly get.

Joe had promised to help you study for your big exam all this week while he would also be working on different assignments for his masters degree. He debated on going over to your apartment, but the last thing he wanted to do was bombard you and catch you off guard. But for his peace of mind, what did he have to lose? Ja’Marr hadn’t said anything about how you were doing and all he told you was that you hadn’t been to any of your classes all week. He also wanted to know how practice went for you on Tuesday with your wrist.

Your apartment wasn’t too far from his, only being about a mile or two down the street and quickly threw a hoodie on along with his shoes and grabbed his keys from off the kitchen counter to make his way to the middle of the hallway where the elevator was.

The entire time during the short drive, Joe had increasingly become nervous the closer that he got. He honestly wondered if he was truly making a mistake about the entire situation as a whole and not just going over there to check on you.

He’s made it clear time and time again that he liked you and wanted better for you. It was hard for him to watch you complain about Trevor and seeing it in real time, he was confused as to why you didn’t break up with him right then and there. He wasn’t trying to rush you in any way, shape, or form but he didn’t know how much longer that he would be able to hold on for. The thought came to him last night if he should actually let it go completely, but he just couldn’t stop thinking about you as much as he tried.

Finally pulling up into the parking lot of your apartment complex, he parked his car and pulled out his phone one more time to try to send you a text and hopefully get an answer.

Joey- Princess, I’m just checking on you. Want to see if you’re okay.

As soon as he sent the text, he looked up to see you coming out of the front door with no one other than your shitty ass boyfriend Trevor.

As Joe sat there and watched the two of you interact, the look on your face seemed content. The two of you didn’t look to be arguing or in any type of disagreement so of course he knew in the back of his mind that you had probably already forgiven him.

He saw you pull out your phone and he assumed that you were looking at the text that he had sent you and he sighed when he saw you read it and then slipped it back into the pocket of your sweatshirt.

Once he saw Trevor lean down and kiss you and a smile spread across your face that didn’t quite reach your eyes, he knew that he still had a chance.

Joe knew deep down that you wanted him and the only conclusion that he could come to as to why you were settling is probably because you were comfortable and content, but for the life of him he couldn’t understand why you would be comfortable in a situation such as this one with not being treated properly.

He thought out of anyone that your brother should know because he knew that he was worried about you just as much as he was.

Joe- She forgave him

Ja’Marr- Wait, how do you know?

Joe- Came by to check on her and I’m looking at both of them as we speak from my car

Ja’Marr- Now you see the cycle that she’s been doing for almost two years

It was now Saturday morning and you were currently packing your bag with everything you needed for the competition that would take place in less than an hour. Erin had stayed over with you the night before so that the two of you would be able to drive to campus together since this was a particular competition that LSU was having on their campus.

Once your bag was packed and you were fully dressed, you made the short walk to the bathroom in order to put your hair up. As you were putting the final touches on your ballerina bun, Erin came in and helped you finish.

“Thank you bestie and good morning.” You said as you smiled at her in the mirror.

“Morning bestie, you ready for us to be placed number one in every single event?” She asked as she had now started to do your make-up for you as she gestured for you to sit down.

“I don’t know about all that.” You responded while laughing.

“You do not give yourself enough credit. Do you not realize how amazing you are at everything that you do? I want to be you when I grow up, except having an asshole of a boyfriend, but everything else, yes.” She smiled as you shook your head at her.

“You are just as good as me, so don’t even try it.” You said as she was looking at your eyeshadow palette and deciding which one to use. She looked down at your outfit and then quickly chose one.

“Y/N, be serious. I’m definitely not and I was surprised that LSU even offered me a scholarship.” She responded as you rolled your eyes.

“If you weren’t good enough, you wouldn’t have gotten a scholarship so don’t talk about yourself like that. You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. You have always doubted yourself and I’m going to need you to get out of your own head.”

“I guess you’re right. Are we going to the football game later today?” She asked as she had moved on to the mascara.

“I debated on if I was going but I already know Ja’Marr is going to throw a fit if I don’t. Spoiled ass baby brother.”

“And someone else. Have you talked to him yet? And he is literally your baby brother by three minutes.”

“No, and I definitely need to. I just don’t know what I’m going to say once I see him. And I am still older!” You exclaimed as the both of you laughed.

“Obviously confess your love for one another, duh.”

When you were quiet for a few minutes, Erin placed her finger under your chin for you to look up at her.

“Y/N….”

“I love Joey, but I don’t know how to tell Trevor that I don’t love him anymore.”

—

The arena was filling in with guests as you along with the rest of the gymnastics team began to warm up and do stretches to get your muscles loose. After you had confessed to Erin the way you were feeling she told you that however and whenever you decided to tell Joe about how you felt that she would support you a hundred percent. But what she couldn't support was you being with Trevor which you understood. You just didn't know when you would be ready to do that.

Your back was turned from the audience as you were facing the bench where you all would be sitting when Erin hooked her arm into yours. She was smiling at you and you gave her a look asking what her deal was. She led you both across to the other side as the two of you were waiting for your turn to do the balance beam and uneven bars.

“Don't look now, but your baby daddy, your brother and Justin are here.” Erin whispered to you.

“Wait, what!?” You exclaimed as you turned around and sure enough all three of them were sitting in the middle of the stands with Joe having his gaze focused solely on you.

“Hmm, maybe it has to do with those texts that you ignored from him for no good reason? I told you his ass would come looking for you sooner or later.”

“I literally cannot do this right now.” You said while sighing and smoothing out the top of your hair.

“Just focus and finish the competition. Then you and him need to talk.”

As the competition came to a close, you knew that talking to Joe was inevitable at this point. After you had pulled on your sweatpants along with Joe's hoodie that he had given to you on Sunday when you were cold, you exited the area and walked to the lobby where sure enough he was waiting for you along with Justin and Ja'Marr.

“And big sis does it again!” Ja'Marr exclaimed as he hugged you and picked you up at the same time so that your feet were dangling.

“Proud of you! All those flips and shit would have had my ass dizzy and in a corner somewhere.” Justin told you as he hugged you after Ja'Marr had placed you back on the ground.

“Thank you.”

You let out a small laugh before finally making your way over to Joe who had a bouquet of flowers in his hands as he leaned down to hug you. When the two of you separated, he handed you the flowers.

“Thank you for these. They're my favorite.” You told him, but his expression you couldn't quite read.

“Can we talk?” Joe asked and you nodded as the two of you walked out of the front entrance and were now on the side of the building away from everyone else.

The silence was awkward which was unusual for the two of you since there was never a dull moment left lingering in the air.

“Y/N, what are we doing? Did I do something? Are you mad at me?” Joe fired off questions left and right to get to the bottom of why you had been avoiding him.

“No, Joey. You didn't do anything wrong. I just…”

“You what? If I didn't do anything wrong why didn't you answer me? I thought something was wrong after what happened on Sunday. I came to check on you on Wednesday but when I saw you swapping spit with that asshole, I left. And also noticed that you once again ignored my text.”

“Because I don't know what I want! I care about Trevor but…”

“But what?”

“My heart skips beats when I'm around you and I constantly feel like I have a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. You know what I need before I need it and you are thoughtful and considerate of my feelings. You always check on me to make sure I'm okay and I shouldn't feel this way about another man when I have a boyfriend.”

“Y/N, what do you want? Do you want him or do you want me? It's as simple as that at this point.”

“I think…”

“No, you need to know.”

“I'm going to give Trevor another chance.”

It was at that moment that you saw the color drain from Joe's face and gave you a look of disbelief as he shook his head.

It was quiet for a few minutes before you heard him speak.

“If that's what you want, then I have to accept it.” He shrugged and simply put his hands in his pockets.

You couldn't describe it, but there was a shift and it wasn't a good one.

“Joey, I care about my boyfriend and…”

“Someone you care about is not supposed to hurt you like he did and I wouldn't be surprised if he's done it more times than you're willing to admit. But if you want to be with him, who am I to say anything? It's not my business at this point.”

“I just need to help him through whatever is happening right now and it'll get better.” You said as you crossed your arms in front of you.

“The excuses you're giving me are coming left and right and I don't fucking believe any of it. You say you care about him, but I think it's absolute bullshit.”

“Why? Why do I have to lie to you?”

“Because you love me and you're scared to admit it. All you've known is being treated like shit and I want to give you everything he can't.”

“And what can't he give me?” You asked, interested to see what his answer was going to be.

“If you give me the chance, I can show you better than I can tell you.” He said as he stepped closer towards you.

“You are making this so much harder than it needs to be.” You stated as you massaged your temples.

“It's definitely the other way around and you know what I noticed?”

“What?”

“When I said you loved me, you didn't tell me that I was wrong. And you also said that you cared about him multiple times, but never said that you loved him.”

[j4gm]

SPOILERS!!! REFERENCES AND EASTER EGGS IN F&C ep. 2: SIMON PETRIKOV

Let me know if I missed anything!

First of all the title sequence is fucking cool. I don't want to speculate about the various things we see in it, like the apartment getting blown up or the Fern tree growing into its 1000+ version, because I'm sure the show will get round to all that!

The first scene was an awesome reintroduction to the post-apocalypse, showing us the dynamic between Simon and Marcy. The button popping off Marcy's dungarees was a reference to young Marcy's first appearance, Memory of a Memory, when she removed one of the buttons herself to fix Hambo's eye.

Simon was show playing a live set at Dirt Beer Guy's tavern in Obsidian. It seems they've gotten to know each other quite well over the past twelve years. Dirt Beer Guy asks Simon if he's read his new book draft, about a character called Joe Milkshake who was first mentioned in the episode Root Beer Guy.

Despite the fact we saw Jake in the trailers, Finn and T.V. pretty much confirm in this scene that Jake is dead, and has presumably been dead since before Obsidian. I guess Bronwyn wasn't the only Jake descendant who Finn took on as an apprentice, but T.V. doesn't seem all that into it. The Finn and Jake we saw in the trailer are likely from an alternate universe that we have yet to see.

Finn uses his weed whacker to cut through these bushes. A nice way of showing he's fully recovered from his Fern guilt. The focus here is very much on Simon's problems instead of Finn's.

Finn parts with Simon to go and visit Huntress Wizard. The nature of their relationship remains ambiguous and I expect it to stay that way.

Simon has the Island Lady from The Party's Over Isla de Señorita in his phone. I guess they reconnected after he became Simon again. He also has Abracadaniel. I always liked Ice King's friendship with Abracadaniel and the rest of the Order of Giuseppe so I hope they're still friends!

Cute Bubbline scene. Back in the episode Bonnibel Bubblegum, Mr. Creampuff suggested he and PB get matching tattoos. Now she's (trying to) do the same with the girl she's chosen rather than some guy who was chosen for her! Also Marceline is using the same phone she's been seen with in a few previous episodes, including Go With Me and Be Sweet.

I think the flying human city is called Up-Ton.

Choose Goose! He keeps coming back! And he's evil now! People were joking about him being the antagonist of Fionna and Cake after that weird post-credits scene in Wizard City and the fact he was in hell in Together Again. I wasn't expecting that to actually come true. Glob knows why he's hanging out in a cage in Simon's house.

The pattern of GOLB's eyes is reflected in Simon's glasses during the ritual. He is doing the same dance that Betty was doing to summon GOLB in the finale.

Among the objects in Simon's GOLB shrine are the Farmworld Enchiridion, the flying carpet that Simon stole from Ash and was later frequently used by Betty, the crocodile clips that Betty used for her magic rituals, two effigies of GOLB, and what looks to be the shell of the snail who was seen throughout the original series.

In this credits sequence, Fionna and cake are dreaming about the mask being worn by the bear than Finn slew, and a butterfly with a smiley face on it. Perhaps symbolising Finn?

Tune in next week for episodes 3 and 4!

[crazymadpassionatelove]

Notes: 18+ Sex & miscarriage mentioned

All the love and praise to my favorite blonde babe of an editor @ab4eva who holds my hand through it all and @precious-little-scoundrel for her screams of support!

 Elvis Presley Quietly Marries At Home

The man with the famous pelvis is now a married man! Colonel Parker confirmed that Elvis married Paramount actress Leona Grace at his home in Memphis on the nineteenth of March. The wedding comes on the heels of rumors that the new Mr. and Mrs. Presley are due for a visit from the stork. The Colonel’s response? “Those are questions for a different day”. The hush hush, spur of the moment wedding did not follow an engagement announcement and no pictures of the happy couple seem to exist beyond set outtake photos. The event reportedly took place in the evening with just family and close friends in attendance totaling about 50 people. A red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting was served for dessert and sources say that Elvis's own music was played late into the night as friends danced in the backyard of Presley's Graceland mansion. 

Leona had once heard Joe remark that Graceland was full of ghosts. He had chuckled with a cigar hanging out of his mouth when he had said it, but Leona had believed him. Once in a while she'd get an eerie feeling at night when all the lights were out and the various friends and relatives who occupied the mansion were tucked away in bed. Clad in a white slip with her feet bare, she crept down to the kitchen for a glass of water and a little peace. The master bedroom was dark and cold, Elvis asleep under the black silk sheets. It had been a whirlwind few months and she was only ever able to reflect back on it all when she was alone, which was a rarity since becoming Mrs. Presley. She was still unsure as to where everything was in the kitchen, but glasses and silverware she was sure of. Leona thought she heard creeping footsteps behind her, and kept peering over her shoulder as the sink water ran. She settled on to one of the stools, her petite legs swinging as she sipped her water and tapped her freshly manicured nails on the table. She and Patsy had ventured out to the beauty salon earlier in the day, Elvis's cousin was a sweetheart but her non-stop chattering about the room down the hall that needed decorating seemed to be the only topic of conversation. 

Leona’s biggest worries used to be whether she was getting cast in the newest buzzed about picture. Now the big concern was whether to have yellow bunny wallpaper or a toile print with puppies. She was still getting used to the weight of the 6 carat diamond on her hand, soon enough there would be a tiny little hand gripping hers. She let out a sigh she didn't know she had been holding in. Escaping Florida and the kitchy circus-like routine at Mac’s Mermaid Cove in the Florida Keys, Leona had been sending money back home to her mother and Grandma Alice in Orlando and scheming to win her breakout role. She had wanted to be a leading lady, but could never quite make the mark. She had once heard a director refer to her as “Florida trash”. She wasn't one to give up easily though. That persistence and all of the nagging and pleading to the higher ups at Paramount, helped her land a cushy supporting role in one of the newest Elvis Presley films. Paramount had agreed to lend her out for a price, now sitting in the kitchen of Graceland she did feel a bit smug knowing she wouldn't have to pay that price anymore in life. 

The role wasn't Oscar worthy, but she felt like a winner the second Elvis had drawled hello to her and gently held her hand. There were flowers and gifts, despite the fact that the blonde leading actress also seemed to be receiving similar gifts from him? He had taken her out for milkshakes on a Friday night after being out with their co-star the night prior. With his buddies mingling about, the owner in awe and basically allowing Elvis to turn the burger joint into his personal hangout, the two had kissed and whispered in the backseat of his car. A little warm up for what was to come. Two days later he took her on the floor of his trailer and filled her full, twice. 

What followed were nights of passion, a few tipsy heart to heart confessions where he talked of the loneliness since losing his mother and Leona told him of the loneliness she had been born feeling. She ignored the fact that he seemed to be wooing their co-star, or even the fans who traipsed into his trailer and left with dresses half buttoned or even on backwards. She liked what they had, she was allowed a moment of fun in life. Soon enough, things would wrap when the movie ended and this would be a story for her one day memoir. Her dalliance with the king. 

Except - things took a different turn. Three days before shooting wrapped for good, blame all that rain for dragging out production, Leona had collapsed from what everyone thought was “heat exhaustion”. Only she knew, it was a combination of heat exhaustion and a missed period. The studio doctor quietly confirmed with a serious tone that Leona was indeed pregnant. Rather than take the options the studio was pushing, Leona knew that men had the power. And Elvis? Well he had more power than even the president, it seemed. With shaking hands and a face powdered full of blush to hide her pale face, she waved down his car filled with friends. He jumped out and leaned against the driver's side door, flicking a toothpick between his lips as she told him he was to be a father. He took the news shockingly better than most. My baby? He had smirked. He wasn't questioning paternity, more like confirming the news to himself out loud. His smile was big and she had a feeling his eyes were gleaming under those sunglasses. He nodded and placed his giant hands on her shoulders. “Everything is gonna be alright honey, we'll make things right and do the right thing,” he had assured her, topping it off with a tender kiss to her forehead. He wagged a finger and ordered her back to her trailer to rest, he'd be by soon. Then he slid back into the car and she heard him chuckling and announcing something to his pals who in turn all whooped and hollered as the car left the lot. 

The water was cool and just what she needed to refresh her dry throat. She hadn't had much of an appetite at dinner despite proddings from Dodger. Everyone had told her she'd feel better as the days passed, she was officially 12 weeks and 2 days pregnant. She was crossing her fingers the better days were now upon her. She had been sick as a dog the day of the wedding. All hastily arranged and shrouded in secrecy as it was. She had settled for a dress the studio had gifted her, it still needed to be let out at the last second courtesy of one of Jerry's flings who was a costume designer. Once she had finished her drink, she placed the glass in the sink and crept back up the stairs. Down below, she heard muffled voices and a flirty female laugh. Probably Charlie and some blonde. They all tended to be blonde, the women who fluttered to the Mafia boys. The next best prize considering the King himself was taken. Leona wondered if he truly was though? They were virtual strangers when they married, but the deeply religious and old fashioned side of Elvis wouldn't take no for an answer. They had to marry, plain and simple.

 She cursed herself for not wearing socks, her toes were freezing. They were painted a shade of red that seemed to make Elvis's tongue wag. On their wedding night, the passion he had shown her in his set trailer and in the backseats of cars still seemed to be there. Albeit, he was softer and a bit more gentle given her delicate state. They hadn't been apart for more than a few hours since they said I do. She could say fairly confidently that there weren't other women in his life. He was due to shoot another film in a few months time, Leona was curious if that would still be the case when they were apart. She slowly took each step that led her closer and closer back to the bedroom where he slept with a shy little boy like smile on his face. She was fond of him, sure, and definitely attracted. Maybe love would bloom with time, like her growing body she mused. The door creaked open, the dim light from the hallway flooded the room and Elvis stirred. “Doll? You ok?” His drawl even more pronounced and gruff sounding. “I was just getting a drink, I didn't mean to wake you,” she hushed him. She closed the door, closing the world off and away from Mr. and Mrs. Presley. It was so rare they were truly alone, she realized. He was sitting up, his hair a bit of a mess. He ran a hand through it and then patted the bed beside him, “C’mere pretty baby, come talk to me till my eyes close”. She scurried back into bed and her feet brushed against his. He threw his head back and chuckled in that way that made her heart flutter. “Someone's got cold feet!” he crooned in her ear. Then he was pulling her into his arms and under the covers. Her feet continued to dance with his as she laid on her side, his lips teasing behind her ear. She let out a satisfied hum and burrowed deeper into his embrace. 

The dark, silent bedroom gave them more than just privacy. It was easier to joke, open up, and try and make some sense of this situation they found themselves in. He was pressing soft, open mouthed kisses to her neck and shoulders. His hands came to rest on her tits which she was sure had already gone up a cup size or two. He had seemed to notice as well. Her white cotton nightgown would probably be on the floor soon, but she wanted to talk some until that happened. She wasn't sure what to say, she really just wanted to hear him. Steady, calming, reassuring words. He had a knack for making troubles fade away. His raspy voice piped up as he rested his head against her. “Been thinkin’ bout doing a little recording again….not for the public though…wanna sing a couple songs for my baby, you can play em while I'm gone and stop em from fussing”. She felt that cheeky grin of his against her skin. “Oh? What are ya thinking? Adding a little rock n roll to Rock-A-Bye Baby?” Her laughter was met with a rash of kisses to anywhere he could reach. Then slowly, his hands left her breasts and trailed down to her lower belly where things were just beginning to form.  “You're doin a real good job darlin’,” she could hear the tell-tale sign of sleep in his voice as his thumbs continued to rub small circles on her womb. She wasn't sure what exactly she was doing a great job at. Being a failed former actress, pregnant and married off in a flash, now resigned to a life that while glitzy and glamorous could also be fairly isolating? Was Elvis himself even aware of the sort of life he lived and how vastly different it was from most people? The thoughts tumbled into her head reminding her of the way she watched the seaweed tumble in the ocean water as a child. She'd pick Memphis and the Presley's over Florida and her own family any day, that's for sure. 

She wasn't even sure of when exactly she fell asleep or for how long. That is, until she was awakened in a sweaty instant, she felt like her insides were being rung out like an old rag. She was hot and cold all at once, and her thighs felt soaked? She practically threw herself out of bed, that's when it all began to register. The squeezing, tugging feeling in her stomach seemed to be in sync with the sharp, stabbing in her lower back. Her hands went to her thighs, Had she? No. It was blood. The blood from her thighs stained her hands, it dripped down her feet, and when she spun around on uneasy, shaking legs she noticed it was all over the sheets as well. It was too much blood. Gasping and wailing, she leaned over the edge of the bed as the room began to spin. With all she had left in her, she shoved and begged for him until he shot up. “What's a matter?!” He barked in confusion. “Get me a doctor..get someone…help..” her breathing was coming in spurts as she felt a tingling sweep from her shoulders to her toes as she continued to grip the sheets, hoping this wasn't what she thought it was. She didn't hear his response, she couldn't. Everything went black. 

She drifted in and out of consciousness for what felt like days on end. She heard the sounds of the doctor's voice, smooth and sympathetic. Della and Patsy talking softly to her. Dodger pressing a hand to her forehead. Sometimes she'd blink open an eye and catch Vernon in the chair in the very corner of the room. He was always there though. Elvis with his mouth close to her ear, murmuring, praying. His big hands squeezed around hers when he wasn't brushing her chocolate curls out of her face. Slowly, she came to the realization of what had happened. There wasn't going to be a baby Presley arriving in the Fall any longer. 

The weeks that followed cemented a hysterical bond of sorts between Leona and Elvis. Every morning, when Mary brought Leona's breakfast up on a silver tray, Elvis would sit with her and make sure she drank her orange juice and take the horse pill looking vitamins the doc had recommended after all that blood loss. She had felt weak, physically and emotionally. With her father having run off when she was a child, and being raised by the overbearing tyrant duo that was her mother and grandmother, Leona had always hoped that her dreams of stardom would also blend well with a white picket fence. Dreams of coming home from movie sets to a shelf lined with little gold statues covered in sticky fingers, T-ball games, and a dog romping with a passel of kids in the sprinkler, an adoring husband by her side. Her hopes and dreams had perished alongside her baby. Elvis had leaped into his faith, reading to her, singing, telling her hope wasn't lost. She wasn't so sure though. They had married because of a baby, did she still have a marriage if she didn't have a baby?

Six weeks and one day after that horrible night, Leona had finally broached the subject. Was he going to cut her loose and they could annul the marriage? After all, they barely knew each other. Plus, Leona wanted her career, she couldn't rest without knowing if she was actually capable of cutting it as an actress. Elvis was aghast and furious. She watched his lips curl up and his face contort in anger in the same way it did when he fought with his father. “My wife ain't leaving my house,” he had snarled in her ear. Was he…hard? He was. This man was getting a hard on from ordering her around and telling her there wasn't going to be a divorce. And there definitely wasn't going to be a career for her like the one she had been used to. She raised her voice and spurred him on. He was hard for her and seemed to want to fight for her? Was Leona twisted for feeling a fluttering in her heart? She backed him into a corner and rambled on about the high possibility of him going on to screw other women in dark corners on movie sets or backstage. Was he really wanting to hang on to this marriage when there were so many pretty blondes desperate to taste him? His nostrils flared and she jammed a finger at him, conveniently landing it just above his cock. His eyes were dark with anger and lust. She gripped his shirt, wrinkling it, and finally pulled him to her mouth for a searing hot kiss. She saw no other way to end this dance at the moment. On the floor of their bedroom, he took with passion, panting into her ear and repeating, “You're my wife for my whole life, ya ain't going nowhere”. Bite marks littered her neck. He was inside her for the first time since it had happened. It made her emotional in more ways than one as he cradled her face and thrust into her desperately. Her orgasm ripped through her violently in perfect sync to his, he didn't withdraw. “This is your job now, being my wife and pleasin’ me,” his voice was smug and cocky as he tenderly tucked her into bed and pressed a soft lingering kiss to her cheek.

Since the dalliance on their bedroom floor, Leona had made it her mission to amp up the drama and theatrics. She had had some bit parts in a couple comedies, and was striving for a perfect sort of dark humor to get under Elvis's skin, convince him that she need be kept busy and not in a princess in a tower situation. Except - it was having the opposite effect it seemed. He found her antics amusing? She had started off strong, first making a trip downtown to Harris department store. She has bought a robins egg blue negligee, sent a sales employee scouring the back stockroom for the perfect pair of white kitten heel slippers with a little feather poof, and a white sheer scarf to tie up her hair. The cherry on top? A pair of cherry red, heart eyed sunglasses that she had once worn as an extra on set. Elvis was due for a lunch meeting with that vile reptile they all called Colonel Parker.  Elvis had pressed a kiss to her shoulder as she sat at her dressing table powdering her face. She was clad in just her panties and bra, he had yet to see her little ensemble. She felt goosebumps form as he slid the strap of her bra to the side and pressed a kiss to the bare skin that had been covered. 

“See ya in a bit, baby doll, gotta meet with the Colonel about some stuff,” his lips lingered on her skin while he eyed her in the mirror. Leona couldn't suppress the sour look that appeared on her face.

“What sort of stuff?” she questioned cooly. 

“Some movie stuff, ain't nothing for you to worry that pretty head about,” his tone was casual yet dismissive. Those were fighting words for Leona, who stomped her foot like a child and demanded to know just exactly why he was allowed to make movies while she had been regulated to pick flowers in the garden with the dogs, lounge in the pool, and shop herself silly with Patsy. She felt like a bird in a cage, albeit a gold-plated diamond-studded cage. 

“Oh, ya want me to start calling you my pretty little baby bird?” he teased, those long fingers, perfect for reaching all the right spots, were tickling at her ribs. Leona yanked away from his grasp and pouted. “Baby, you're a wife now, my wife, I'm gonna take care of things. No need for you to stress yourself and slave away to send money back home to your momma and granny, I had my daddy send a check two days ago,” Elvis explained, sliding on a pair of sunglasses that made him look utterly delectable as he shifted his weight from one leg to another in the doorway, seemingly unable to keep still. 

Too frustrated to formulate a response that would accurately convey her angst, she took a beat before swerving herself around to face him. With a grin that could only be perfected after years after trying to charm sweaty, fat producers in suits, Leona turned to her husband. Her voice was dripping with a faux sugary sweet tone, “I'll be here waiting for you to get back, baby”. She knew that's exactly what he wanted to hear. Elvis blew her a kiss before he disappeared down the stairs. She heard him below in the kitchen, chatting with Mary, probably grabbing a sweet treat. His pals downstairs playing pool, she knew that'd be his next stop. Rounding them all, lest he ever go anywhere alone. It was the perfect time for Leona to change into her newest purchase and head outside, to the driveway. She examined herself in the mirror, she knew if the sunlight hit just the right way that everyone would be getting a nice view of Mrs. Presley’s chest courtesy of her basically sheer nightie. Her fingers combed through her chocolate curls and then she added an extra coat of lipstick, spritzing herself with some of that perfume Elvis had brought back after a trip away with the guys. With the sunglasses hiding her green eyes, it was now or never. She scurried down the stairs as fast as her kitten heels would carry her, the front door was in her sights and Elvis's booming laughter could be heard on the floor below her. 

Suddenly a voice called her name, “Miss Leona where on earth are you headed in that get up? Looks like you belong up there in that bedroom the way you dressed!” Mary, Elvis's long-time housekeeper, was a peach with a spitfire sense of humor. She had been warm and motherly since the minute Leona had walked through the front door. A single finger came to rest on Leona's lips and she pointed to the floor, Mary caught on it seemed. She flung a dish towel over her shoulder and rolled her eyes good naturedly, “Don't you worry, I certainly won't be running and gabbing to Mr. Elvis tellin’ him his wife is half naked in the yard where folks and fancy photographer men might see…girl…you best do whatever it is you planning and fast”. Almost giddy with anticipation and curious to see just exactly how this scheme would land with her husband, Leona’s heels clicked on the driveway. She paused and did her best to look down towards the gates, shockingly, there was no one there. She wasn't sure if she was glad about that or not. Elvis's Cadillac was parked just a little past the front steps. If she was laying in the driveway, Joe wouldn't dare move an inch. Hell, they'd all be too busy averting their eyes and making small talk amongst themselves about what nice weather Memphis was having recently. What was her end game exactly? Leona wasn't completely sure. She just wanted Elvis to see her and hear her, truly. Her grandmother had told her growing up that marriage was a compromise, but if all else fails defer to your husband. When Leona had called home to tell her mother and grandmother she was marrying the Elvis Presley, her grandmother had said in not so many words to forget compromise and keep Elvis happy at all costs. Why should she stifle herself down for him though? Ok, maybe she didn't need to go back to Hollywood full-time. But she needed something, anything, to keep herself busy and fulfilled. If she had to spend the next fifty years praising him and his work, picking out curtains, and entertaining the Memphis Mafia and their various girls of the week she'd absolutely need a sanatorium. 

The black asphalt was warm on the backs of her legs as Leona lay like she was making a snow angel. She heard the door open, the rowdy laughter and loud conversation that signaled the arrival of Elvis and co. Then someone spoke up, Leona was a bit too far back to place exactly who, but she thought it might be Charlie. “Uh, EP, that your wife laying down there in front of the car?” his voice sounded nervous. Suddenly the only thing Leona could hear was the sound of the birds and heavy footsteps approaching. It was as if the sun had snuck behind the clouds, everything felt dark as Elvis's shadow engulfed her. She pulled her sunglasses down and batted her eyelashes up at him. “Headin’ out honey?” She purred, she could feel her nipples hard and a hazy sheen of sweat covered her basically naked body. “Was plannin on it…seems to be a little detour though” Elvis crowed. “What are you up to little girl?” He leaned down closer to her face. “Well wouldn't you like to know..” Leona laughed, picking at her cuticles as if this whole scenario playing out was perfectly logical and normal. She watched him shake his head still, still sporting that grin, and motion for the guys to wait in the backyard. Her eyes darted to the side when she realized Elvis was laying down on the pavement beside her, his arms stretched back cradling his head. “I've got time…tell me baby”. He had his sunglasses on and a big toothy smile. Leona didn't expect him to use this tactic.

She crossed her arms over her chest, blocking his view of her hard nipples. He snorted when she did that. Her bottom lip jetted out into a pout. “If I'm here - and I'm certainly not going anywhere, you made that perfectly clear - then you should be too. No movies for me means no movies for you.” She lifted her shades to look at him and see if she could gauge his reaction behind his own sunglasses. His lip twitched and then he nodded slowly. “I'm so utterly bored, if you try and leave you'll just have to run me down, I've got nothing to do. I can afford to lay here practically naked for all your buddies and fans to see if that's what you'd like…honey.” She turned on the charm for the last part. Cooing and dropping her voice into a sweet little starlet tone. “Well ain't you slick”. Suddenly he was sitting up and sliding the sunglasses off. He towered over her from above. “Listen - I know you and half the folks in the house would just love it if I ripped up old Colonel’s contracts but I ain't doing that…I can't. So if you wanna lay on the ground and be a little whiny baby wife, have at it. I might have to punish ya for it though,” his voice was raspy when he spoke that last sentence and it made Leona’s stomach flip flop in the best way. “Or….you can march that pretty little behind back to our bed and wait for me to get home. If you're a good girl maybe I'll bring ya something shiny huh?” He was rising to his feet and held a hand out to her. Leona gripped her fingers into her hair frustrated before cutting her eyes up at him. “Fine..” she scoffed, taking his hand and marching back up the driveway, into the house, and past the family in the living room. Elvis trailed behind her like he was making she she'd do just that. When she reached the bottom of the staircase she yelped when he suddenly slapped her ass. Her plan foiled, she was now back to reality and keenly aware she was half naked in the foyer. She ran up the stairs, she didn't have to look behind her to know he was ogling her barely dressed body. When she reached the top of the stairs she did something that made him chuckle loudly enough that his father asked him what was so funny. Leona turned and winked at him before disappearing to their bedroom. 

Just as her husband had suggested, Leona took to their bed. Mary had come up and changed the sheets and the evidence of how Elvis had licked her until she gushed last night was no longer present. Laying on her back like the starfish she remembered collecting as a child, she felt a tad foolish. She hadn't accomplished what she had hoped for and now she was destined to sit and wait for Elvis's return. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes and she flicked them away with her finger tips lest she ruin her makeup. Now what? She thought to herself. A melancholy mood washed over her and when Mary came knocking announcing dinner, Leona sent her away claiming she wasn't hungry. She heard the older woman return and leave a tray outside the door but Leona couldn't muster up the energy to rise and feign eating. She caught her reflection in the mirror above the bed, tussling her hair with her fingers and throwing it back. She allowed her thoughts to wander and imagine what life would be like had she not fallen into this marriage. She'd probably be hustling all over via orders from the studio, fittings here, screen tests there. She didn't miss that part. Being on set, delivering perfectly executed monologues in one take, becoming someone entirely different? That's what Leona missed. Proving herself, making a name on her own, those were all things that had once lit a fire under her. All of that jazz about making lemons into lemonade would suggest that Leona try and do some of that here in her married life. Should she be like some of the other wealthy kept women in Memphis and join the garden club? Something told Leona that despite whatever money Elvis threw their way, she wouldn't exactly be welcome. Curling onto her side, Leona came to the realization that if she wanted to act she'd have to consider Graceland her only sound stage. Was there room for two hot shots in this house? Elvis's words from earlier rung in her ears. He had called her a whiny baby wife. Him and his good natured teasing. Maybe that was it though, that could be her new role. She could embrace her new title as leading lady of Graceland and be this whiny baby wife character.....

---

[bengals-barnesbabe]

Pairing: Joe Burrow x Singer!FemReader

Summary: Before Venus was a multi-platinum record selling artist, writing about the quarterback that stole her heart, she was senior at LSU going through her first heartbreak. This is that story.

Chapter 16: Robbed

#Track9 Masterlist

Warnings: 18+, mentions of sex, sexual assault, foul language, violence (Miles gets what he deserves), angst, but a fluffy ending.

Word Count: 2.9k

Part 3 🖤

The walk to Joe’s place was the nicest part of Y/n’s day so far, she thought, the bath she had when she left his place would’ve been nice but her mind would not shut up. Granted she had enough conflicting events happen in the last 24 hours. The Louisiana breeze helped her put things in perspective though, that dick never had her best interest had heart at any point of their relationship. It nice to be entertained for a few months, but she could not believe her degree of naivete when one cute guy gave her some attention. Y/n knew she couldn't blame herself for his actions, but she couldn’t help it. If Miles was actually a nice guy he wouldn’t have had to bribe or drug her into giving up that part of herself. Miles didn’t know how lucky he was, because if it was any other girl there would be no chance he’d be able to keep his scholarship. She came to the realization that no self respecting man would even think of doing what he did. But the fact that she was actually r*ped would be a bit harder to come to terms with.

When Y/n got to the house the guys were staying at, she just walked in like every other visitor because apparently having that much muscle in one house meant they could risk leaving the front door unlocked.

Without even announcing herself, she plopped down on the couch next to her friends, they were very occupied in a Super Smash Bros battle. “Who’s winning?” She asked.

“I am.” They both say, she scoffs and pulls out her phone.

Five minutes later the controllers are thrown onto the floor, one in victory and one in anger. “I told you man, I can’t lose.” Joe cheeses leaning back on the couch and throwing an arm around the cushion Y/n laid on.

“That’s because you have no life outside of football.” Ja’marr grumbles.

“You’re just mad we’re 7-0. And I took out that one chick like last week.” 

“It was over a month ago and isn’t ‘that one chick’ supposed to be your girlfriend?” Joe’s mouth snapped shut.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Ja’marr smirked then sat on the arm of the chair to the right of the quiet girl. “What’s up lil sis?”

She raised a brow and looked up at him, “Marr I’m older than you, but I’m fine.”

“Damn just fine? What about your date last night with Meters?” Her jaw tightened and fist clenched at his question, thankfully for her he had his back turned, but someone else saw her tense reaction.

“It was fine, I’m probably gonna break up with him soon though. It’s that time.” She said as calmly as possible with her jaw still clenched.

“Why? What happened?” Joe asked with his brows furrowed, but with a smile peaking on his lips. Ja’Marr shook his head with a small smirk on his face.

Y/n shrugged not looking at either of them, “oh nothing. Things like this just time out after a while.” 

“If you say so.” Joe says, still not convinced. “Wanna order something, I’m starving?”

She shakes her head reading the same spam email for the hundredth time. “I’m good.” But her stomach clenches at the mention of sustenance.

 “You sure, I could get you a milkshake and a side of fries from Mama’s?” The thought of her favorite combo makes bile crawl up her throat. “I’m really not hungry.”

This time Ja’Marr looks at the girl worried, him and Joe exchange concerned looks. “You once skipped class to go to Big Mama’s. You said the only time you’d turn down her food was if you’re dead.” He grabs her wrist and checks her pulse. “You are very much alive Y/n. What’s wrong?”

The looks they're giving her make anxiety run up her spine, so she stands up from the couch to escape their scrutinization. “There’s nothing wrong!” The brave tone she tries for comes out wrecked with the quivering of her voice.

Ja’Marr crossed his brawn arms while Joe reaches for her, “that doesn’t sound like nothing’s wrong.”

She looks up with a groan and starts to pace the room. ‘If I tell them- no there’s no way this would end up not going completely south. But they’re not going to stop pestering me. I have to tell them. Maybe they won’t overreact, they’re too hungry to get that mad right?’ Her inner dialogue and lack of eye contact does nothing to calm the reactions of the men in the room.

She takes a deep breath and looks at the two large football players with big doe eyes. Yea there’s no calm way of resolving this. “I’m going to tell you, but you can’t freak out.” Like that’s going to work.

“What did he do?” Joe asks taking on the persona of a threatened wild bear.

“We won’t be mad.” Ja’marr says more calmly.

It’s crazy to think literally minutes ago he was the one getting heated about a video game while Joe was as cool as a cucumber. She thinks, oh how she would pay for time to rewind back to then. Y/n picks at her nails as their frustrating glares burn holes in her skull.

“Ok so, last night Miles took me out, like you already know. Everything was great, it was really fun, we got a bit high, ate good food then we sort of did it.” She says hesitantly. “It was all consensual until it kinda wasn’t, but it’s not that big of a deal. He just wasn’t the best partner and that’s ok, no one’s perfect. We just weren’t as compatible as we thought.” She rambles while analyzing their faces.

Ja’Marr kept his calm resolve, but Joe’s face was growing redder by the second. He cleared his throat and spoke up. “Go back. What do you mean it was consensual until it wasn’t?”

“Look it really wasn’t that big of deal, he just prioritized himself more than me. I know some guys don’t last that long, so it was fine until he treated me like shit when it was over. I mean he quite literally took the shirt off my back and kicked me out.” She shrugged.

“Y/n, you keep skipping over some parts, so I’m gonna ask you this again.” Joe took her hands and sat her down on the couch. “Did he force himself on you?” He was trying so hard not to lose that last shrivel of calm, but the look of innocence on her face when the girl’s eyes welled up and the way she fell into his arms did it for him. He hated the way she looked so young in his arms, he hated the borderline homicidal ideas that he wanted to see through when he saw Miles, but most of all, he hated how helpless he felt now that what was done was done and there was no way for him to take away her pain. 

They stayed stayed like that, Venus curled up in the quarterback’s arms, until she fell asleep. Only when he was sure she wouldn’t wake up from her much needed rest did he untangle himself and get up. He covered her with the blanket she left months ago on their couch then joined Ja’Marr in the kitchen.

“I’m gonna kill him. You coming?” He asked pulling on a LSU hoodie. 

Ja’Marr shook his head and grabbed the arm of the QB and pulls him back. “Look I want him dealt with just as much as you do, but you know we can’t leave her like this. We’re all she’s got right now.” They look over at her sleeping figure.

“I’m sure we could be done before she gets up if we grab some of the guys.” Joe huffs, then sighs looking down.

“Ja’marr you don’t know how I feel right now. Sure she’s like a sister to you, but I think I’m in love with her. When I look at Y/n I see my future, I see her on the sidelines as we win our first superbowl. I see myself thanking her during every single award acceptance speech. I see us living in my hometown talking about how much we love our kids. I don’t like seeing her like this, I can’t.”

Ja’Marr puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I know, but it’s our responsibility to be there for her right now. This isn’t the first time she’s gone through this, but it wasn’t this bad last time. If you love her as much as you say you do, you need to make sure she knows you’re there for the rights reasons. So what do you think she needs right now?”

“Food.” Joe replies with full seriousness. “Not her usual, but something she’ll actually eat. Instead of a cheeseburger we’ll get her a melt, its close enough for familiarity but still new enough so she can’t associate it with him. Tots instead of fries, ‘potato is potato’ she’d say.” He chuckles. “And replace the milkshake with a malt, but instead of just chocolate it should be peanut butter cups.”

Ja’Marr smirks, “she really does have you completely wrapped around her finger without even knowing it. I’ll go by Mama’s, grab all of us dinner then we’ll take it back to hers.” His friend nodded then went back over to the couch. Joe lifted her legs up, sat down then placed them over his lap then admired how peaceful she looked in her sleep despite pain that put her there.

Ja’marr shook his head at the two, as he walked out the door he hoped that one day they’d get that future Joe spoke so passionately about.

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀

Peace, calm, and tranquility; three things you hadn’t felt in forever it seemed like. The heavy blanket of sleep slowly lifted off of you as woke up from the short slumber. Waking up you could feel the weight of Joe’s arms on your legs and the stroke of his fingers against your calf. You don’t know when you fell asleep, but it the sky was much dimmer than before. Joe hadn’t noticed you’d woken up yet so you took the time to think about how different everything would be if you were with him instead. You knew you weren’t his type, but it was nicer to think about that compared to reality. You always felt safe with him, it wasn’t his height or how big he was, it was his aura. He oozed protectiveness, you definitely saw it when you told him what happened. 

Ja’Marr came through the door a few minutes into your little ‘Joe watching’ session. “Hey lil sis, how’d you sleep?”

Joe frowned at him confused before turning his head to you. “When did you wake up?”

You shrugged, “a couple of minutes ago. I wanted to see how long it took you to notice, then someone ruined it.” You said playfully side eyeing Ja’Marr.

He lightly chuckled as you swung your legs off of him. “Something smells incredible, please tell me its for me.” 

Ja’Marr waved the bag from Mama’s in front of you before pulling it back to his chest. “Yup, but we gotta get you home first.” 

“Do we have to? I could just stay here, forever.” You pout slouching back onto the couch.

“As much as we’d love that, you know the rules of the house after the weekend. Come on pretty girl.” Joe says pulling you off the couch.

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀

When the trio reaches Y/n’s apartment, Joe and Ja’Marr secretly keep an eye out for Miles hoping he doesn’t show himself until after she’s safe and sound in her home. Thankfully he wasn’t around, so she didn’t have to see him at all. 

They spend another hour or two eating and keeping a smile on the girl’s face, until she gets tired and decides to turn in. “I’m beat, you guys can see yourselves out whenever. I’m going to bed.” 

As they clean up the mess they created in her living room Joe spots her phone and gets an idea. Already knowing her password, he goes to her messages and taps on Miles’ contact.

“What are you doing?” Ja’marr scolds.

“What needs to be done, I don’t want her to see his face ever again. So I’m gonna make sure he stays away from her.” Joe expresses, as if it’s a completely normal idea.

Ja’Marr kisses his teeth before grabbing the phone. “Look if you’re going to do this, you can’t just text him like you would. ‘We should meet up.’ Really? Nah, let me handle this.” Joe steps aside and watches the man work.

To Miles: hey babe I know its late, but we should really talk about last night.

From Miles: I would love to talk about last night Princess, see you in a few

To Miles: i’ll be waiting ;)

“Did you really need the winky face?” Joe asks with an arched brow.

“Yea, its all about setting the scene. Plus she’s all about the old school emojis.” Sometimes, Joe thinks, he doesn’t understand what’s going on in the younger guy’s head but does at the same time. But since he seems to think it’s a great idea, we might as well keep it. Guess he’s not only a fast thinker on the field but off it too.

They put the phone on the coffee table and leave the apartment, Joe locking it with his spare key. “I can’t believe she gave you the spare and not me.” 

The quarterback just grins, but it doesn’t last long because that’s when Miles gets back. At first glance, they can tell he’s annoyed to see them in front of ‘his girl’s’ door, but then he drops the attitude for a friendly facade. “Burrow, Chase! It’s been a while, how’ve you been?”

They both shrug their shoulders. “Oh you know, we’ve been better, but that’s just life right.” Joe’s artificial smile causes an unsettling feeling in the man’s core.

Miles gulps, “yea life can be tricky sometimes. You guys had plans with my princess today? I tried to come by earlier but she wasn’t home.” 

“Yea, we spent most of the afternoon at the house just talking. Actually you know that light airiness in her voice when she’s happy?” Ja’Marr asks, hesitantly Miles nods. “It’s so sweet, she makes everyone’s day ten times better just with her voice. But it’s the weirdest thing, today when she was over, that joyful smile and cheery voice was nowhere to be seen. Did you notice that J?”

The man pinched his chin ‘thinking’ about the question. “You know what I did notice that.” 

“That’s weird she was good when she left my place this morning.” Miles’ palms clam up as he tries to get his door open.

“Was she? Or is that what your sick mind is concocting about last night?” The door to his apartment creaks open. 

“I don’t know what she told you but she’s lying. They always are, bitches- I mean-

Joe takes two long strides and punches Miles square across the face causing him stumble into the apartment. “Nah we know what you meant.” 

“That was out of line bro, what’s coach gonna say when his QB is out for another season?” Ja’Marr scoffs and slams the door, locking them in.

“We’re not gonna be the ones worried about missing seasons.”

❁ཻུ۪۪♡

The only sounds heard from the apartment are the heavy thuds of fists being thrown into his body and the groans of pain coming out of his mouth. They go on for a few more minutes before the final thud of his beaten body hitting the floor vibrating the ground underneath and into the hallway.

Then Joe’s voice is heard from beyond the door, “you tell anyone about this and we’ll make sure everyone important to you knows how you treat women and especially what you did to kindest woman you’ll probably ever meet.”

The football players exit the apartment with satisfied grins and bruised knuckles, feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief. Then they see you. “Y/n.” You dawn another set of tears in those big brown eyes, they can only hope it wasn’t them who caused it.

“How much of that did you hear?” Joe asks chewing on his lip.

You sniffle and attempt to wipe away the tears. “I- um, I came out to get my phone and I heard you talking. I didn’t think anything of it until I realized it was him on the other side, then well.” You gesture at their hands. Joe immediately puts them behind his back.

“Y/n we didn’t mean to scare- The words are knocked out of Ja’Marr’s mouth as you run into their arms, throwing yours around their bodies as much as you can. “Thank you.”

They sigh in relief wrapping their arms around you. “No problem lil sis.” Ja’Marr smiles as you let go from the tight hug. “You don’t know how much that meant to me, or how much y’all mean to me.”

Joe can’t help but wrap his arms around you even tighter than before and kiss your head. “We’d do- I’d do anything for you babe.” You smile at the nickname change, even though it’s so small it makes your heart grow 3 sizes bigger. You stay like that for a while, just soaking in the love appreciation you have for each other. But unbeknownst to you, Ja’Marr decides to capture the moment and make a note to show it to them on their wedding day. 

Because their love is so painfully obvious, they’re going to need proof to realize that it’s been there all along.

. ˚◞♡ ⃗ *ೃ༄

a/n: petition for Ja’Marr to officiate their wedding, sign here🩷

<<<Previous Part | Next Chapter>>>

main masterlist

tag list: @light-yagami-l

[hazymoonlinh]

Hii, Can I ask J(reverse 1999) x neutral reader?thank you (≧▽≦)

Sure, here’s some headcanon I think about him :3

Joe in a Relationship: Sweet & Fluffy Headcanons

Protector:

Despite his tough appearance and biker-boy vibe, Joe has a deeply protective streak. He always walks on the side of the road closest to traffic, instinctively steps between you and anything he perceives as a threat.

Will throw his jacket over your shoulders if it’s even a little chilly or when you riding with him.

Skilled with His Hands:

Joe’s background in forgery makes him good with his hands, and he loves using that skill to make things for you.

Whether it’s a custom piece of jewelry or a small figurine he molded from spare metal, every gift feels personal and unique.

Shy with Words:

( Mayyybe cuz in story he’s kind of a flirty type but also not)

Joe isn’t the type to spill his feelings in long speeches, but he has a way of letting you know how much you mean to him. A lingering look, a soft smile, or the way his fingers brush yours when he hands you something—it’s in the little things. (I would forgot to breath if he looks at me and smirk)

Classic Dates, 1990s Style:

Joe loves taking you on old-school dates. Think drives along the coast on his motorcycle, sharing milkshakes at a retro diner, or watching a movie at a drive-in theater. He’s not big on flashy displays, but his effort to create meaningful experiences is unmistakable.

(I’m Asian so I have to look up for all of this 😔)

Big Teddy Bear Energy:

While he’s rugged and confident outwardly, Joe is surprisingly soft in private. He’ll pull you into his lap when you’re both lounging around, rest his chin on your head, and hold you like he never wants to let go.

Burn Scars:

Though he usually flex his burn scars with casual confidence, telling you they’re his prides, there are moments when he feels vulnerable about it. If you kiss it without hesitation, it means the world to him, and he’ll quietly hold you a little tighter for it.

Music Bonding:

Joe has a surprisingly good ear for music and loves introducing you to 1990s rock and grunge bands he adores. Each song carefully chosen to reflect his feelings.

Cooking Surprise:

You wouldn’t expect it, but Joe’s not half-bad in the kitchen because he has a sister. He surprises you with hearty, comforting meals when you’ve had a tough day. Watching you enjoy his cooking makes him smile in that quiet, self-satisfied way.

Touch is His Love Language:

Joe shows affection through touch. Whether it’s a hand on the small of your back as he guides you, brushing your hair out of your face, or pulling you into a bear hug after a long day, he’s happiest when he can keep you close.

(PLEASE HEADLOCK ME JOEEE)

Subtle Vulnerability:

Joe’s a tough guy, but with you, he feels safe enough to let his guard down. On tough nights, he’ll admit his worries and let you soothe him. Though he rarely cries, if it happens, it’s in your arms, where he knows he’s truly understood.

(He almost did when heard abt Pauline situation 🥹)

Spontaneous Adventures:

Joe loves whisking you away on unplanned adventures. “Get on,” he’ll say, patting the back of his motorcycle. Whether it’s to watch the sunrise from a hilltop or grab ice cream at midnight, these moments feel carefree and magical.

Little Keepsakes:

Joe has a habit of keeping small things that remind him of you—a ticket stub from a movie you saw together, a pressed flower from a walk, or even a random trinket you once admired in passing. He treasures these like lucky charms.

Gentle Words:

The way he says your name—soft, deliberate, and full of affection—always makes your heart flutter.

Just imagine he groaning in bed EHEM WHO SAID THAT

(Nick have done a great job voicing him btw)

Acts of Service:

Joe is the type to fix things for you without you even asking. Leaky faucet? Fixed. Your bike tire flat? Already replaced. He’s not flashy about it but beams inwardly when you thank him.

Late-Night Confessions:

When the world quiets down and it’s just the two of you, Joe opens up in ways he doesn’t during the day. He’ll talk about his dreams, his fears, and how much he cares for you, his voice soft and steady as he rests his forehead against yours.

It’s sad that he didn’t came home….

😔

[ladylooch]

Blurb night!! Gimme fluffy Nico when you’re on your period and/or generally not feeling well

Yes! Blurb night! I’m going to pick sick for this one. I have a very sweet blurb about his support while you’re on your period here! Nico Hischier can do it all.

You’re awoken from your sickly slumber on your couch by a soft knock at the door. You look at the time, surprised to see it is already after 3pm . You had been drifting in and out of sleep since you returned home from your feeble attempt to go to work.

You close your eyes again, not expecting anyone so hoping whoever it is goes away. It’s probably you’re annoying neighbor wanting to complain again about the way you park your car. 

“Baby.” You hear Nico’s soft voice call to you.

He is not supposed to be here. You told him not to come over after your sickness wiped you out this morning. The team needs him. He can’t be getting sick.

“Neeks.” You croak as you open the door, keeping the chain latched. 

He thrusts your weakness, a chocolate milkshake, into the apartment. 

“This will make you better.” 

“You know I can take the milkshake and then still shut the door?"

“You could. But then you wouldn’t know what’s behind my back.” You contemplate. Ultimately he looks so cute, and desperate to care for you, that you let him into the danger zone. He gathers you into his body as soon as the door opens completely. He snuggles you into his chest. You sigh at his sweet touch, clutching at his back in comfort. 

“I’ve been worried about you since you told me you were leaving work. Could barely focus at the rink.” His words are mumbled into your hair.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He insists, pulling back to look into your eyes. His gaze dips to your lips and you shake your head no. “I know. But I wanna.”

“Me too.” 

“Cheek?”

“Sure.” You agree, letting his lips work over the red, warmth. “What did you bring me?” You ask as he starts to wander down to your neck.

“Oh!” He shoots up excitedly. “You are going to be better in no time.” 

Nico excitedly pulls out every item in the bag while you suck up a bit of your chocolate milkshake. It’s so good and soothing to your throat. He has Emergen-C, sour punch straws, and nutter butters.

“Those are for you, Neeks.” You chuckle at the cookies, nudging his shoulder.

“Yes. Okay, they are, but…” He trails off, then pulls out the soup dumplings you love from Trader Joe's.

“Yes!” You squeal appreciatively. 

“And…” He trails off, pulling out the final two items which are a decongestant and Vick’s vapor rub.

“The good shit.” You giggle.

“Come here.” He murmurs, tugging you towards him by your pajama pants. You pull your crew neck sweatshirt down, whimpering in gratitude when he rubs the gel into your chest. Your eyes close, already feeling the menthol loosen some of the tightness beneath.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” You confess.

“Always wanna be where you are…” He trails off. Your hair is falling out of your scrunchie, so Nico tucks a large chunk behind your ear. A long blink has him chuckling at you again. “She's my sleepy girl today. Let’s go lay down, baby.”

“I want this though.” You insist of your milkshake, accepting his guiding hand to the couch. 

“You can have it. I’ll make sure it doesn’t spill when you fall asleep.”

Your last boyfriend refused to bring you cough medicine last time you were sick. Now, Nico Hischier holds your milkshake in front of your face and adjusts pillows around your head, so you can be comfortable and eat safely.

Life has a funny way of working out.

[sleazyjester]

We already know about Sunny's, but what are other characters' favourite things to eat? What do they like to drink?

Basil: espresso/americano/capuccino to drink, and for food something comforting and warm, like beef stew or something. he tried going vegan like a hundred times but he's not ready for the commitment. i think he would go for angel cake as a dessert, or just granola bars.

Aubrey: alcohol probably, coke on casual days and as a favourite dish i think she would really enjoy sushi or ratatouille. her favourite dessert would probably be donuts, m&ms, or peeps.

Kel: orange joe for a drink, obvi, and i feel like he would enjoy crazy american combos like bacon and waffles, deep fried anything, probably raising canes, oh and empanadas. for dessert he would probably go for... the entire breakfast menu? i'm sure he's a big waffle/pancake/torrijas fan, and also sour gummies.

Hero: probably plain ol black coffee, blueberry lemonade or sparkling water (he's one of those..), milkshakes too. For food I think he likes trying out new things from time to time so his favourites change pretty often. his go to sweets would be... fruit tarts, tiramisu or chocolate chip cookies.

Jamie: Jamie loves decaf lattes, and sodas, and for food probably some classic chicken nuggets with fries, and birthday cake flavoured sweets. they've got a huge sweet tooth, so anything would do, except hard candy.

Brent: he loves coffee and hot cocoa, especially accompanied by a treat. for food, i would say he likes jollof rice, salads with all kinds of dressings, anything beef and a lot of salty snacks. he would always snack on some chips. for sweets, i'm inclined to say lava cake with ice cream on the side. he likes chocolate bars too, like snickers and bounty. he's got a full drawer of snacks in his room because his mom wouldn't let him eat too many while growing up.

Ash: he loves coffee to the point that it's a personality trait, and he usually gets a flavoured latte. avocado toast and sunny side up eggs for breakfast, alfredo pasta and salad for lunch, and fish with vegetables for dinner, specifically salmon. for dessert, he would go for a cinnamon roll or rugelach.

think that's it. for me i love lattes and dr pepper, and for food probably something really lame like a mcchicken or chilly cheese fries or pasta. for sweets.. i don't know. everything at once. i love chocolate and anything with a soft chewy texture.

[blood-mocha-latte]

what is this webgott pulp fiction au you have spoken of

welcome to my messiest wip!! she's about a year and a half old and i keep tweaking her because she drives me CRAZY. however, about a month ago i had a plot breakthrough (via luztoye)! anyways, she's crazy she's fun she's flirty she's morally ambiguous and inspired by sylvia plath poems. slay

~snippet below the cut~

Joe’s knee jittered under the table, and Webster had his eyes pinned to him like he knew how uncomfortable he made him.

“Is there a specific reason you dragged me out to some old-fashioned diner, or do you just not know what to do?” He asked, arms crossed and resting on top of the table.

Joe leveled a glare at him, but it dissipated as quickly as it came as Web huffed out a stupid little laugh, shifting against the red plastic of the diner seat.

“I’ll let you know this place is plenty fuckin’ good, Web, just so ya know.” He said, both affronted and warmed by the others ridiculous grin. Web widened his eyes at him, something between sincerity and mockery. 

“Yeah?” He asked, like he was playing a game. “So I can get anything?” Joe shrugged, leaning back in the seat and spreading out his arms. He sure as hell didn’t have enough money for anything, but. 

The boss’s boy, and all.

“Sure.” He said, and Web grinned again, like he was going to call him out.

“I like milkshakes.” He said lightly, and shifted against the creaky leather once more.

[emlee81]

Empire Records-Lucas X Reader-It's Always Been You.

***

Warning some minor swearing and hint of innuendo. Mostly just fluff and fun.

****

You can't remember a time when you didn't have a crush on Lucas, one of your co-workers at Empire Records. Sure, you really liked everyone else who worked there but Lucas was always the one.

Not only was he super cool, but he was sweet and kind and always made you laugh and feel good about yourself.

However you weren't sure what Lucas' feelings towards you were. You were dying to ask, yet at the same time, you were scared to know what he was really thinking.

"Y/N?" You turn. Joe, your boss was asking you something.

"Yeah?"

"Could you put these new cd's out, please?" Joe asks. You nod, grabbing the cardboard box and head out front. Immediately you spot...Lucas, wandering around, looking around to see if anyone needs any help.

You carry the box over, setting it gently on the ground and struggle to regain your composure. As you pull up the flaps of the box, you see someone walking over to you. You glance up.

"Hey, Y/N."

Lucas.

You straighten up, gazing into his beautiful brown eyes and your insides quiver. Damn. He's so sexy. Lucas smirks and it takes everything you have just to stay upright.

"Hey." You lean over, reaching inside the box and pulling out several cds and begin to arrange them. Lucas looks down at the floor for several seconds before stepping a little closer to you.

"Need any help?" Lucas asks, his tone soft. You nod. Lucas leans over, grabbing some of the cds as well. You work in silence for several minutes.

"I was wondering.." Lucas begins, but abruptly stops, clearing his throat before starting again.

"Would you like to, maybe, catch a movie with me this weekend?" You nod.

"I'd love to, Lucas." He grins, looking more relaxed and like himself.

"Cool. I'll let you know by the end of our shift what time." You smile.

"Perfect."

***

You meet Lucas at the movie theater and he looks amazing. (But he always does.) He smiles when he sees you, looking a little shy and awkward.

"Hey," you say. "You look fantastic." Lucas' cheeks color slightly.

"Thanks. So do you."

"Thanks. Should we go in?" You ask. Lucas nods and surprises you by taking ahold of your hand. You can't keep the smile off your face as you walk inside.

***

You're having an amazing time. Lucas is so sweet and keeps asking you if you're having a good time. You nod. You could be a wallpapering the storeroom and you'd be having a good time, as long as Lucas was with you.

When the movie ends, Lucas takes you on a ride on his motorcycle and you end up downtown at the Café, enjoying some milkshakes and just talking.

"I can't believe that this is really happening," you admit to Lucas.

"Why?" He asks. You reach for his hand, just holding it.

"Because, I've had a huge crush on you forever, that's why." Lucas frowns somewhat and you worry that you said the wrong thing.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No. It's just, kinda..funny," Lucas replies.

"What do you mean?"

"Well. I've had a crush on you forever, too," Lucas says. You just stare at him.

"Really?"

"I think you're wonderful, Y/N," Lucas adds softly. You laugh, leaning towards him and gently kissing him. Lucas smiles.

"I think you're pretty damn wonderful yourself, Lucas," you whisper. Lucas grins.

"I, uh, well...,I mean, if you'd ever like to y'know.." Lucas is really blushing now.

"I'd like to, Lucas," you say. "Just not right away." Lucas nods.

"Of course." He kisses you again, though and you absolutely love that. You laugh again, grabbing Lucas' hand again.

"Yeah." Lucas is blushing. You give his hand a gentle squeeze before letting go.

"This is the best night of my life," you tell Lucas and he chuckles.

"You know what?" Lucas says. "Mine too."

[egojock]

@carminekings: ❛ don't think this changes anything between us. ❜ ( joe & nate / joe saying this kinda teasingly because they either went for a drive — perhaps skipping school — and for once they don't even f*ck ? it becomes almost like a date ? maybe they smoke a joint in the backseat and share large fries and the weed leads them to makeout a lil' but it doesn't go any further and it's strangely romantic ? ) ( source ! )

"okay," nate says, tone clipped, like he can't really deal with all the mental gymnastics joe is having to do right now to make this into a problem, and he's well aware he's being a cunt by giving such a non-reaction. nate knows joe well enough by know to figure the reaction, the blood boiling and thrumming under nate's skin is what he wants. only joe walsh could turn something as innocuous as hotboxing and drinking milkshakes in his truck into something sinister. joe needs an exorcist or a fucking mood ring. "fucking hell. i'm gonna go back to kissing you now, unless you have any more helpful reminders. i can palm your dick if that'd somehow make this less upsetting for you. i dunno?" selfishly, nate would like to go back to kissing, because the smoke has dried his mouth out something awful but made everything taste infinitely more fresh, sweeter, and when he sucks the swell of joe's bottom lip into his mouth it tastes like strawberry milk. maybe if he were sober and more inhibited, he'd be freaking out right along with him about what it all means, both emotionally and existentially, but after smoking an entire joint down the roach all nate can focus on is the wet pressure of joe's mouth and the noises he doesn't even seem to realize he's making, nate's hand stroking tender circles against his flank.

[merrock]

CHARACTER INFORMATION

face claim: Taylor Kinney

full name: Everett Ellington

nickname(s) / goes by: Rhett

pronouns & gender: cis man, he/him

sexuality: heterosexual

birth date: July 15th, 1980

birth place: Merrock, Maine

arrival to merrock: local!

housing: Rural Countryside

occupation: Part Time Fire Safety Consultant & HVAC Specialist

work place: City Hall/Fire Hall (I’m not sure if there’s anywhere in town that he could be contracted out for the HVAC specialist so I’m going to say for now he’s self employed through that and works as a fire safety consultant through the fire hall still. 

family: Daughter - (Isla Ellington [27]), Younger Brother - (‘Joe’ Ellington [37]), Younger Brother - UTP Ellington [39], Younger Brother -  UTP Ellington [40], Older Brother - UTP Ellington [48]

relationship status: Widowed

PERSONALITY

Rhett is known as someone with a pensive personality. He’s often known to reflect on the hardships in his life that has brought him to where he is today, while also dwelling on the things that have become most important to him over the years. He isn’t one that takes personal events and life’s struggles or changes lightly, but yet he embraces them with every part of him; there’s a likelihood that those around him would never know the difference as his demeanor wasn’t usually one that changed if he was stressed, happy, sad or excited. Growing up, Rhett would often be found helping all of those in need, doing anything he could to help others; between helping elderly people at the grocery store, to helping neighbors build things like bird houses, fix fence posts or even plant things in gardens. He wasn’t really a kid that enjoyed his home life too much, and while his family was always good to him, he’d just much rather be out helping others do whatever they needed help with than to be sitting at home. Friends and family often describe him as diligent and humble. Just ask Theo Browning about the time that Rhett made it all the way to the state level with his historical research project and he barely made an announcement he was going before his cheeks flushed red with embarrassment from the attention. Or the time that he received a medal from the bus driver for saving someone from a choking incident; but of course Rhett wasn’t one to announce it until his photo was in the school newspaper. Despite the good things that people say about him, Rhett is also known to be secretive and moody. Truthfully if you get to know him he’s not really either, but, he doesn’t like to talk about his feelings which makes people think he’s a bit secretive. Without at least three cups of coffee to start his morning, he is known to have a bit of an attitude but that won’t last for too long. Just talk to him post his morning coffee and you’ll see that’s the truth. If you’re ever curious about what he does around Merrock, a few places that you could check to find him could be Mack’s downtown where he’s likely trying to convince himself to get the double decker burger he’s heard everyone talk about. It supposedly pairs well with a chocolate strawberry milkshake, but, he tries to avoid drinking dairy if he can help it. On Saturdays he’ll even go down to Page Turners to check their stock on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle collection he’s been collecting since he was a child. Cassidy’s Candies has become a staple for him throughout the last few years; he’s usually buying wax bottles and bottle caps that he likes to snack on throughout the day. Wednesday’s is his grocery store runs and he typically starts it out with a trip to The Fish Market if they’re open; he even makes cod and asparagus if the market is open. If it’s not, it’s definitely off to The Little Corner Market where he buys the supplies for a steak and potato night; he’s truly a man that would follow the ‘meat and potato diet’ regularly if you let him. Friday mornings are typically started off with a visit to Flour Co. where he buys two chocolate eclairs and a cup of black coffee on his way to his duties for the day. His weekends are spent fishing on the water, and Great Outdoors is always his go-to for updated gear, fishing lures or bait. And if you’ve checked those places and he’s not at work, maybe go by Pinecrest Cemetery where the love of his life is buried. He could be sitting on a blanket keeping her up to speed on his life lately after placing a fresh bouquet of flowers on her grave.

WRITTEN BY: Katelyn (she/her), EST.

BACKGROUND / BIO

triggering / sensitive content warning: Loss of a spouse, abandonment, grief, disownment, financial struggles, teen pregnancy, death, spousal death, fire-related death

July 15th, 1980: The Birth of The Broken Bird

Everett "Rhett" Ellington’s life began in a fire hall in Merrock, Maine, on July 15, 1980. He was abandoned there shortly after birth, left without family or a sense of belonging. Just two days later, the Ellington family—a couple with a son of their own, Alan JR. (AJ) —adopted Rhett and welcomed him into their home. The family was loving, though struggling to make ends meet. Alan - Rhett’s adoptive father - worked hard, but they were far from well off within their later years. Especially once they adopted what was once known as ‘The Wilson boys’- Rhett’s two younger brothers Bobby and Billy, and then later on when Rhett was seven and his baby brother Joe came into their lives. The family’s house was small for what became a family of seven, and growing up in tight quarters meant Rhett spent most of his childhood on the bottom bunk in the bedroom he shared with his AJ. Though they were never without food or clothing, the house felt too cramped for the five growing boys, and the confines became stifling.

Rhett’s mother - Susannah - , a stay-at-home mom, kept the family in order, shuttling her children to school and extracurriculars. They were an extremely religious household, heavily involved in their local church. That had been were Bobby and Billy came from; their mother had been a young girl who had hit a bad patch in her life and Susannah and Alan had graciously taken the boys in to raise and provide for them. And while the church community had always been really close knit, and a huge part of Rhett’s childhood, Rhett’s faith was never truly his own, but his parents' commitment to their beliefs shaped his upbringing. The family attended services twice a week and on holidays, and Rhett and his brothers participated in various church activities and were also heavily involved in the youth there. Although he never shared the passion for church that his parents did, Rhett found a sense of purpose in the historical aspects of the faith. He even participated in church plays, and it was during the Christmas play that Rhett first met Naomi Tyler.

1989: A Bond Like Brotherhood

Naomi wasn’t the only friend that Rhett would make in his childhood that would make a lasting impression on him. When he was nine, Rhett met Theodore Browning, and an immediate bond that would turn into more of a brotherhood would form. It had been the first day of school and the class was engaging in one of those traditional ‘who are you’ get to know you activities, and Rhett had gone after Theo. After introducing himself to the class, an innocent encounter at lunch had formed something beautiful. Turned out that Theo’s brother’s middle name just so happened to also be Everett - a really cool coincidence for nine year old children - and that had been reason enough to prompt the other into asking Rhett to play with him at recess. The rest was truly history. They’d spend hours outside together, playing, laughing, dreaming about their futures. It was truly the start of something great; two boys that would always be there for each other. 

1993: Finding His Future in Her Eyes

Rhett was thirteen years old when he played the role of Joseph in the church’s Christmas play. That was the year he met Naomi Tyler, a twelve year old girl whose quiet confidence immediately caught Rhett's eye. Their relationship started innocently enough, with Rhett doing everything he could to get Naomi's attention—picking flowers for her, slipping drawings of hearts with her name in them. By the time they were teens - him fifteen, her fourteen - they were inseparable, falling in love amidst as easily as if they’d been doing it all their lives. His romance with Naomi blossomed quickly and rapidly, causing the church to raise a brow at how much time the two were spending together. Whispers of “you shouldn’t be spending so much time with a girl, you’re much too young.” or “don’t you run away with that boy now Naomi, you’ll get yourself into trouble.” but they didn’t care. The only thing that they cared about was that they were in love; Naomi would do anything for Rhett and the same for him. Naomi was the most important person to him, and he knew even at the age of fourteen that she was who he was going to spend the rest of his life with. The two took their relationship to the next level sophomore year of high school after homecoming, sealing a bond that would never truly be broken. 

1997/1998: And Then Everything Falls Apart

College prep was in full swing as Naomi and Rhett began thinking of their future with college. Rhett had decided he wanted to join the fire academy to become a firefighter, which he could do from anywhere at any time. Naomi had dreams of becoming a doctor, wanting to travel the country to help out wherever her heart took her. He’d follow along, even if that meant going to college somewhere out of state. He didn’t mind as long as they were together. The two studied hard, making mostly A’s, acing SAT’s and ACT’s and any other test they could need to get into good colleges around the world. However, their lives changed when at the age of seventeen - sixteen for Naomi - they found out she was pregnant. Their lives that had been so carefully planned out, were abruptly thrown into disarray. Immediately picking up more shifts at the pizza place he was already working at, Rhett began doing everything he could to save up for their baby. His deeply religious parents, however, were unable to accept his choices, disowned him and kicked him out of the house. Homeless and about to become a father, Rhett moved in with Naomi’s family determined to create a life for the family they were creating. It was at this point Rhett began to withdraw from the church, heartbroken by his parent’s rejection. He still believed faith as a whole was important, but to him, being a good person mattered more than the stigma of the church.

Shortly after his eighteenth birthday and graduating high school, Naomi gave birth to their daughter, Isla Kate. The couple juggled work, caring for their newborn infant, and attempting to balance the demands of school, work and their new family. They somehow made it work, getting married in a tiny ceremony in Naomi’s family’s yard after her eighteenth birthday. 

  2002: Pursuing A Dream - The Fire Academy

By 22, with Isla now four years old and preparing for school, Rhett and Naomi decided to pursue their dream of becoming firefighters. Rhett had earned an Associate’s degree in Fire Science, and with the support of Theo, who had also joined the fire academy, the two friends embarked on a rigorous and transformative journey. Naomi joined them after many years of tending to a child solely (giving up many dreams she had of becoming a travel nurse), and though they faced many challenges—balancing training with family life and financial strain—their efforts paid off. The academy marked the beginning of a career that would change their lives. Rhett became a firefighter and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant, while Naomi stayed on as a firefighter. In 2005 when Rhett’s youngest brother turned eighteen, he asked if he could move in with him and Naomi to live his life with the brother he’d always been closest to. While it was tight, the couple made it work and took in Joe - who had a disability requiring him to be unable to live on his own - now giving themselves more responsibility along with raising Isla. Though, having Joe in the house was a blessing in itself. Isla was crazy about her Uncle Joe and oftentimes she’d prefer him over her parents anyways. It truly felt as if the family that had once abandoned him was being rebuilt through the eyes of his daughter and his youngest brother. 

2012: It All Went Out in a Blaze of Glory

Living life as a firefighter you put your life on the line every single day. There wasn’t a day you attended duty that you weren’t risking your life to save someone else’s. It was what made them heroes at the end of the day, and while having two parents in the field was scary enough, Rhett and Naomi made a great team. They worked for opposite shifts so that there was no chance of anyone saying anything about their relationship given Rhett’s rank, which often helped out with Isla and Joe; someone was always home. It was what seemed to work best for them and despite the fact that they rarely saw each other, the love they had never faltered even when things were tough schedule wise. It was on Christmas Day, 2012 that Rhet’s world shattered. A devastating house fire broke out, and Naomi, despite Rhett's pleas to stay home, volunteered to respond to the call. Rhett stayed behind with Isla, but the fire quickly spiraled out of control. Naomi and two other firefighters lost their lives that night. The grief was unbearable. Rhett took a three-month leave from the fire department, struggling to cope with the loss of his wife, his best friend, and the future they had worked so hard to build.

Rhett's grief was all-consuming, and the subsequent months were filled with mourning and trying to navigate life as a single father to Isla, who was now fifteen years old. Despite the profound pain, Rhett eventually returned to work, though his role had shifted. He could no longer work in the same capacity as before. Instead, he transitioned into fire safety inspections, focusing on preventing the kind of tragedy that had stolen his wife from him.

2013 - Current: Always Gotta Move Forward

Rhett’s healing process was slow and difficult, but over time, he managed to start living again. He bought an old farmhouse in the rural countryside, a home he had planned to share with Naomi, and began making it his own. He became certified in HVAC to save money on home repairs, and while he continued working with the fire department in his new capacity, his life was far from what he had envisioned. Dating proved difficult, and though he tried a few times, none of the relationships ever felt right. His focus was on Isla, Joe, and building the life he and Naomi had dreamed of.

As time passed, Rhett slowly began to realize that he could still live a meaningful life, even if it wasn’t the one he had imagined with Naomi. The memory of her, and the love they shared, remained a powerful force in his life. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, Rhett started to embrace the life he had ahead of him. He had lost so much, but he had also gained something new—a sense of resilience, and a deep understanding of the value of love, sacrifice, and living authentically.

Now in his 40s, Rhett is learning to live the life he should have all along. Though the scars of his past will always be with him, he is determined to honor Naomi’s memory by living a life that is full, meaningful, and true to who he is. His journey is one of redemption, healing, and the slow, steady discovery of happiness once more.

[votava-records]

Aesop Rock - Time Moves Differently Here

Written and produced by Aesop Rock

Guitar by Hanni El Khatib

Album: Integrated Tech Solutions

VINYL/CD/MERCH: https://AesopRock.com

LYRICS: Aes loves red meat, extra pickles, extra cheese Extra sauce and accidental extra lemon pepper wings Decorating patties at the fixin's bar on bended knee And telling people he invented ketchup on everything Artificial char-lines, orange chicken, large fries Large milkshake, not the boys to the yard kind More the boys to the drive-thru car line Add a pie, give yourself to the dark side Add a shot, add a bacon egg croissant Add a hot and flaky danish, coffee cake or cake pop Popping jalapeño poppers in route to filet of cod Side of popcorn shrimp, oh god, make it stop Double-triple Texas angus steakinator waffle sticks Crispy ranch and activated maple eggroll taco twists Panko-crusted flaming gator honey mango lava ribs Make that shit a combo and do not forget the condiments I was at the drive through Playing hooky from the wild goose Losing minutes in the time loop I had planned to slide thru Seen the signage in the side view Had to slip into the flight suit At the drive thru, at the drive thru Perusing the entirety of side two At the drive thru, at the drive thru Musta been a hundred high noons Before the chord was even cut he motioned towards a meatball sub Before they got him home he asked to stop for sloppy joes Soda shamen, surely first to supersize the holy grail Booted from the “build your own”, his mochi broke the yogurt scale Bogus, gutter running Julius in protest I been good-to-go since you said “no” to “would you like it toasted?” You know it’s free and radically upgrades the vessel, right? That “at your detriment”s some “i need some attention” type That’s like saying the best invention ain't the pretzel bite It isn’t helpful, just a lens into an empty life Tonight on Table Talk we go beyond the peri peri spice Through 11 secret herbs, parsley, sage, rosemary thyme Very berry cajunated pasta chimi-dipper toast Zesty melted melon cheddar chocolate blizzard schnitzel bowls Lemon butter buffalo conniption guava brisket cones Pull up to the window please, bleed the sacrificial goat I was at the drive through Playing hooky from the wild goose Losing minutes in the time loop I had planned to slide thru Seen the signage in the side view Had to slip into the flight suit At the drive thru, at the drive thru Perusing the entirety of side two At the drive thru, at the drive thru Headed into overtime times two

[therighthandofvengeance]

What Babylon 5 Characters are doing in a 24/HR Diner

Meet-Ups:

John and Delenn are playing footsies while sharing a milkshake in a far booth

Neroon and Zack are the two grandpas who always go out to get a “cuppa joe” on a weekly basis, and they complain about “frou-frou” coffees that younger generations indulge in

Ivanova and Talia are having brunch

Vir and Lennier are hoping for a quiet study session with a different ambiance than their usual meet-up spots

Assorted Customers:

Bester is threatening to leave a negative Yelp review and never return (he never follows through, he always returns)

Mr. Morden is there to try the diner’s “world famous” dishes and then immediately tells the staff if the dishes have any reason, in his opinion, to be classified as such

Sinclair is the parent traveling across the country with his children (Marcus, Garibaldi, G’Kar, and Londo) and hoping they’ll all fall asleep when they get back in the car… they won’t

Franklin is getting into discussions about nutrition with a server who Does Not Have Time For This

Staff:

Lyta and Na’Toth are the servers who Do Not Have Time For This

Lochley is the manager, and she will make time for this because how anyone could be that stupid is just the tiniest bit beyond her, so if you would please explain-

Kosh owns the franchise and will be there on occasion. nobody knows what he qualifies as an occasion, though

Lorien owns the company, and Kosh’s quarterlies could be better, but the important thing is that everyone is having fun (they’re not)

[heartattack-eyes]

~~𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔~~

° It is competitive in all aspects.

° He was always at the top of his class but doesn't like to admit it.

° He is good at arts and crafts.

° Great dancer.

° Knows a lot about cars and their repair.

° Loves animated movies.

° Animal lover, especially dogs.

° When he was a child his mother used to dress him up as a rabbit.

° Loves oranges.

° He is amazing at cooking.

° He has lost count of the number of times he faints after a fight.

° Loves chocolate milkshakes.

° He loves to see the stars.

° He is good with writing.

° Likes face masks.

° He has tried to grow a mustache, but it ends up bothering him and he removes it.

° Must wear glasses on a regular basis but does not like them, uses them for reading or watching TV

° His favorite movies are "The Mask" and "The Truman Show".

° He likes lemon pie.

° When he was a child, his mother loved to do his hair like Elvis.

° Fanatic of Abba, Billy Idol and Tears for fears.

° Lover of baseball and basketball.

° He likes video games very much, sometimes spends his days off with Robin at the Arcane.

Happy Birthday to Joe Keery (overdue) thanks for the amazing roles in your movies, especially Steve. ❤️

[ghnaim24]

To my fellow Willem Dafoe simps and writers I have some ideas/requests from some of his characters if anyone is interested in writing them. It would make me the happiest person in the world please 🙏😁

The following ideas/requests below:

For Joe Cribbens from Dead for a Dollar the reader is Max Borland’s daughter and is a hunter like her father but more young, beautiful and kind. When she meets the infamous Joe Cribbens in prison he is smitten by her.

For Bobby from The Florida Project I’ve had this idea in my head that the female reader is young and works as a maid at the motel and watches over the kids sometimes and that Bobby appreciates how hardworking she is. They have a crush on each other and end up confessing their feelings to each other and it leads to smut (if you are comfortable with that).

For Raven from Streets of Fire I was thinking that Raven x female reader where he kidnaps the reader who is opposite of him sweet kind and understanding and wears cute dresses. He takes her back to his gang’s hideout and within time they grow romantic feelings for each other and it turns into smut.

For Vance from The Loveless like Streets of Fire the female reader is opposite of him. She is a regular at the diner in the beginning of the film always reading and drinking a milkshake and when Vance enters and both set eyes for each other it’s love at first sight/opposites attract. They get to know each and as the reader hangs out with him and his friends for the day, it becomes to much that they can’t keep their hands off each other leading to smut.

For The Writer from The Night and The Moment I was thinking that the female reader is like Belle from Beauty and the Beast who loves to read and is opposite to all the other women from the film. The Writer becomes intrigued by her and tries to charm but she keeps pushing him away and eventually falls in love with her. You can include smut if you like to this one.

For The Electritian from Basquiat the female readers power goes out in her apartment and is in need of an electrician. When he comes over to fix the readers power it’s love at first sight. As he is fixing her power they get to know each other and he eventually asks the reader out for a date maybe to an art gallery and when they come back to readers apartment they make love to each other.

For John Geiger from Speed 2 on the cruise he sees the female reader from a distance with her family who is cute and innocent and becomes enchanted by her. During the heist he kidnaps her and they are able to escape with the diamonds to an island and it turns to a Stockholm Syndrome relationship.

For the Prison Guard (whatever you want to name him) from Cry-Baby the female reader is a cute and sweet nurse at the prison and she has a crush on the Prison Guard. While she is treating a prisoner from a fight the prisoner tries to hurt the reader but the Prison Guard comes to save her like a knight in shining armor. After the incident she confesses her feelings for him and he returns the same feelings to her.

For Klaus from Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou I was thinking that the female reader works with Jane as a photographer. When they meet with the Zissou crew at the beach in the night it’s pretty much love at first sight for Klaus when he sees the reader. And as her and Jane travel with the crew their relationship starts to develop into more romantic

For Barillo from Once Upon A Time In Mexico the readers father has a debt to pay him back but doesn’t have the money. He decides to visit the mansion along with the reader who is sweet, innocent and shy to tell Barillo he can’t pay him back, but once Barillo sets his eyes on the reader he knows how her father can pay him back by letting him marry his daughter/reader.

For Earl in Animal Factory the female reader is sent to prison for a crime she didn’t commit but it was actually her sister. But because she loves her family so much she decides to take her place. After the trial she is taken to the male prison instead of the female one because their is no more room for her. When she gets to the male prison where Earl is at because she is the only female she is harassed by the other inmates. Once Earl sets his eyes on the reader him and his crew do everything they can to protect and make her feel comfortable. As time goes by Earl and reader become more involved with each other and eventually she is moved from her solo cell to the cell where Earl is in.

For Dick McMahon from The Last Thing He Wanted the reader is a home nurse and is taking care of Dick that they start to fall in love with each during their time together.

For Gerhard Hardman from Murder on the Orient Express the reader is an artist/dancer and is on board the train where she meets Gerhard in there shared quarters. It’s love at first sight and during the journey they get to know each other and before they depart they decide to stay together.

For John Petty from Out of the Furnace the female reader is the younger sister of the Baze brothers very sweet, kind and has a crush on John. When she hears her brother is fighting for money again she heads to John office to please help her brother and when he agrees to help her, the reader kisses John that they end up confessing their feelings to each other.

For George Deckert from XXX State of the Union the reader is the president’s daughter and Deckert is both obsessed and possessive of her that his plan is to have her all to himself once his plan is succeeded.

I know this is probably a lot to ask for. I don’t expect all of these to be written, but I just wanted to put my thoughts out there. I would love if at least some of them were written but I know that’s not up to me. I apologize if I sound very demanding. I also apologize if some of these ideas/requests sound lame lol 😆.